Jesus og Maria 1609 - 1672

Editor: Here we have an engraving called "Jesus og Maria," made sometime between 1609 and 1672 by an anonymous artist. It’s a striking depiction; the figures are bathed in this ethereal light, but there’s also a strong sense of suffering. What do you see in the symbolism here? Curator: I see a convergence of sorrow and strength rendered through carefully chosen objects. Notice Jesus’ crown of thorns, juxtaposed with Mary holding what appears to be the lance that pierced his side. The radiant halos are standard Christian iconography, but these weapons carry intense emotional and cultural weight. The choice to represent Mary alongside Jesus invites us to contemplate her suffering – her participation in this profound narrative. Editor: So, it's about shared pain? Curator: Precisely. Consider, too, that in Baroque art, drama and emotion are key. How do these figures communicate pain, would you say? Editor: Jesus, with his bound hands and bare torso, seems vulnerable and defeated, but his gaze is steady. Mary's uplifted eyes could suggest prayer or maybe supplication to the heavens. The way she is displaying her empty palm also carries deep spiritual connotations of mourning, as well as indicating how she shares his destiny. Curator: Good point! So what is left with you after observing their interaction? Editor: The artwork's use of familiar symbolism alongside the potent figures helps the viewers access familiar cultural touchstones while connecting these representations with deep personal and shared history of spiritual suffering and deliverance. Curator: And with that we reach out through the centuries and share their history.