The Lamentation of Christ c. 1607

Jacob Matham created this Lamentation of Christ with pen and brush in the Netherlands around 1607. The printmaker's emphasis here is on the Virgin Mary and her companions mourning over the dead Christ. The image creates meaning through cultural references to the Bible and historical associations with the Catholic Church. During Matham's lifetime, the Dutch Republic was undergoing immense religious and political change due to the Reformation. As a result, artists had to navigate the politics of imagery carefully. We see a shift away from overtly Catholic imagery during this time and a move toward Protestant ideals. However, Matham was the son-in-law of Hendrick Goltzius, a Catholic, and it is likely that Matham maintained his Catholic beliefs despite the changing religious landscape of the Netherlands. As art historians, our understanding of pieces such as this depends on contextual understanding. Only through careful study of the historical and cultural context of the artwork, including an examination of the religious and political climate, can we truly understand its significance.