Virgin and Mary Magdalen at the foot of the Cross (detail from the Isenheim Altarpiece) 1515

This detail from Matthias Grünewald's Isenheim Altarpiece, painted in 1515, depicts the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross. Grünewald, a German painter known for his expressive and intensely emotional style, captures the profound grief and despair of the two women. The Virgin's head rests on Mary Magdalene's shoulder, their clasped hands signifying their shared sorrow. Grünewald's use of vivid colors and dramatic lighting, along with the deeply moving expressions on the figures' faces, underscores the emotional weight of the scene. The altarpiece, originally commissioned for a hospital, aimed to provide comfort and solace to the sick and dying. The detail of the Virgin and Magdalene embodies this theme, offering a poignant testament to faith and human suffering.