Mater Dolorosa c. 1600

Josse van der Baren’s ‘Mater Dolorosa’ is a striking work with stark contrasts of light and shadow rendered in oil on canvas. The monochromatic palette evokes a sense of somber reflection. The figure of Mary is elongated, her form defined by the dramatic chiaroscuro, creating a powerful emotional depth. Van der Baren uses the formal qualities of light and line to convey the suffering of the Virgin. The artist manipulates the composition, and the verticality of the canvas emphasizes Mary’s towering presence and sorrow. Her gaze and the objects she holds function as signs, directing us to contemplate themes of martyrdom and grief. The texture and materiality of the medium add to the work’s expressiveness, where the visible brushstrokes and tonal gradations are used to create a sense of immediacy. In its formal construction, the artwork invites a contemplative response, prompting us to consider the symbolic weight carried by the Mater Dolorosa within its historical and cultural context.