Diptych with Christ and the Mater Dolorosa 1520

Hans Holbein the Younger's "Diptych with Christ and the Mater Dolorosa" (1520) showcases the artist's mastery of detail and emotive portraiture. This diptych, composed of two panels, depicts Christ, crowned with thorns and seated on a stone, in a state of profound sorrow, while the Mater Dolorosa, Mary, kneels in prayer, her face etched with grief. Holbein's use of subtle tonal variations and meticulous rendering of architectural elements, like the elaborate columns and arches, further emphasizes the emotional weight of the scene. The work exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style, characterized by realistic depictions and a focus on religious themes.