Bewening 1600 - 1639

This engraving, "Bewening," was created by Pierre Firens around the early 17th century. Central to this work is the image of the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Christ after the crucifixion, a motif known as the Pietà, evoking the deepest sorrow and compassion. This iconography echoes through time, reminding us of ancient mourning rituals and the universal pain of loss. We see it mirrored in countless depictions, stretching back to antiquity, of mothers grieving their sons. But note how this scene is framed by images of female saints and martyrs each crucified in their own way. The cross, initially a symbol of brutal execution, has been transformed into an emblem of faith and redemption, continually shifting and accruing layers of meaning through its repeated representation. The emotional power of such images lies in their capacity to tap into collective memory, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This non-linear progression, ever resurfacing, evolves, and takes on new meanings in differing historical contexts.