St. Veronica with the Sudarium, after Michelangelo 1540 - 1566

Nicolas Beatrizet created this engraving, St. Veronica with the Sudarium, after Michelangelo, during the vibrant artistic period of the 16th century. The print depicts St. Veronica displaying the sudarium, a cloth bearing the likeness of Christ’s face. Beatrizet skillfully conveys not just a religious scene, but a moment laden with the weight of faith, suffering, and hope. Consider the role of women during the Reformation, and how this image may have served as a potent symbol of female piety and resilience. St. Veronica stands as a powerful intercessor, and a figure of empathy, providing solace to those who seek divine comfort. The emotional depth of the artwork invites us to reflect on the human capacity for compassion and the enduring power of faith in times of adversity. As you contemplate this image, consider how it speaks to the longing for divine intervention and the search for meaning in the face of suffering.