The Entombment (Stabat Mater Prayer), from a Book of Hours c. 1480

This miniature painting, "The Entombment (Stabat Mater Prayer)," is a poignant depiction of the entombment of Christ from a Book of Hours, created by Jean Colombe in the late 15th century. The scene is rich with detail, showcasing a city in the distance, a ladder and cross in the background, and a group of figures gathered around the tomb. The inscription, “Stabat Mater Dolorosa,” highlights the sorrow and pain of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she witnesses her son's burial. This artwork is a powerful testament to the religious beliefs of the time and the artistic skill of Jean Colombe, a master of the French illuminated manuscript tradition. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this miniature, which is a crucial example of the Book of Hours's genre, which was often created as devotional tools for private prayer and reflection.