De bewening van Christus in een schrijn met de andere zes smarten van Maria 1511

This is an engraving from 1511 of “The Lamentation of Christ in a shrine with the other six sorrows of Mary” by the artist known only as Master II with a skull. The image creates meaning through its intricate visual codes and references to Northern Renaissance culture. Made in the Netherlands at a time of great religious and social change, this artwork reflects the anxieties of its time. The detailed imagery, typical of Northern European art, invites viewers to contemplate the suffering of Christ and Mary. The shrine-like structure, with scenes depicting Mary’s sorrows, frames the central lamentation, emphasizing the importance of religious devotion. The engraving's creation was linked to the Catholic Church and other religious institutions, serving as a tool for piety and reflection. Art historians use a variety of resources, including period texts, religious documents, and social histories, to examine such engravings. These resources help us understand the artwork's original context and its role in shaping religious and cultural identities.