Zeven Smarten van Maria 1516 - 1545

"Zeven Smarten van Maria" (Seven Sorrows of Mary), a miniature created by the anonymous Monogrammist S in the 16th century, depicts the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary. The central image shows the Virgin Mary holding the deceased Jesus, while six circular frames around the central image depict the sorrowful events in Mary's life: the prophecy of Simeon, the flight to Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the temple, Jesus carrying the cross, the crucifixion, and the piercing of Jesus's side. The miniature's small size and detailed execution are characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style, emphasizing religious devotion through intimate imagery.