The Lamentation c. 1480 - 1490

Master BM, active in the fifteenth-century, created “The Lamentation” as an engraving on a sheet of paper. The engraving depicts the body of Christ surrounded by mourners after the crucifixion. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating religious narratives during the Reformation, a period of intense religious and social upheaval. While the male disciples are absent, women are central to this scene of mourning. This focus can be seen as a reflection of the period's changing attitudes toward women's roles in religious life. The raw emotion conveyed through the figures' gestures and expressions invites us to contemplate themes of grief, sacrifice, and the human cost of faith. The artist uses line and composition to create a sense of intimacy, drawing the viewer into the emotional heart of the scene. Ultimately, the image serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to evoke empathy, and to challenge us to confront the complexities of human experience.