Mater Dei, the Virgin in prayer towards the left 1802

"Mater Dei, the Virgin in prayer towards the left" is an 1802 print by an anonymous artist. The print depicts the Virgin Mary in prayer, her head bowed and hands clasped. The artwork's title, "Mater Dei", meaning "Mother of God" underscores the central importance of Mary in Christian belief. The print's subtle shading and realistic depiction of Mary's features contribute to a sense of reverence and piety that likely resonated with audiences at the time. The piece is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and its dimensions measure 16 7/16 × 12 7/16 in. (41.8 × 31.6 cm) for the plate and 17 3/4 × 13 5/8 in. (45.1 × 34.6 cm) for the sheet.