Mater Dolorosa c. 1503

This woodcut engraving by Jöst de Necker, titled “Mater Dolorosa,” created around 1503, depicts the Virgin Mary grieving over the death of her son, Jesus. Surrounded by seven scenes from Christ’s Passion, Mary’s pain is intensified by the swords piercing her heart, representing the seven sorrows she experienced. This devotional image reflects the deep piety of the time and is a powerful reminder of Mary's suffering and sacrifice. The visual language used in the artwork, particularly the prominent use of line and detail, evokes a sense of both beauty and pathos.