Bewening van Christus c. 1506 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer rendered this small woodcut, “Bewening van Christus,” capturing the moment of Christ's lamentation. The symbol of the Pietà, the Virgin Mary cradling her dead son, is central here, resonating deeply with our shared human experience of grief. This motif has ancient roots, appearing in various forms across cultures. Think of ancient depictions of mourning goddesses, echoing a primal sorrow over loss. The Pietà, however, channels this grief through the specific narrative of Christian salvation. The recurring motif of the lamentation across different times and cultures invites contemplation on shared human experiences. It transcends its religious context to tap into our collective unconscious, echoing universal feelings of loss and compassion. This image engages us, not merely as observers, but as participants in an unending cycle of sorrow and solace.