Maria, in geopend hart, bij graf van Christus 1610 - 1672

This engraving, “Maria, in geopend hart, bij graf van Christus,” by Wierix, is a devotional work created between 1610 and 1672. The image depicts the instruments of Christ's Passion surrounding a heart, with an inscription in Latin that translates to, "This heart is my treasure in the kingdom of heaven." The artwork is a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the devotion of the Virgin Mary. This piece, with its intricate detail and use of symbolism, is characteristic of Northern European art of the period. The small dimensions of the engraving suggest that it was intended for personal devotion.