Mater Dolorosa c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have Mater Dolorosa, an anonymous piece residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Its intricate lines draw me right in—almost claustrophobic, but the stark contrast focuses all my attention on the figures, their grief, a shared agony. Curator: This image, of course, depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Christ after the crucifixion, a popular subject reflecting intense religious devotion. Editor: It feels so raw. The artist really captured something universal about loss. Funny how something created anonymously centuries ago can still resonate so deeply. Curator: Indeed. The work, in its own way, allows us to examine the historical context of religious art and its enduring impact. Editor: To think someone, somewhere, poured their heart into carving this—a testament to love and sorrow, then and now.