Virgin Bowing to Instruments of the Passion 

Pierre Brebiette created this print, Virgin Bowing to Instruments of the Passion, sometime in the early 17th century. The Counter-Reformation was well underway, and artists were tasked with renewing religious devotion through emotive and accessible imagery. Here, Mary is depicted as the Mater Dolorosa, the sorrowful mother, her hands clasped over her heart. Brebiette surrounds her with symbols of Christ's suffering. But notice the cherubic figures, seemingly undisturbed by the objects of torture. One wipes away tears, almost as if he’s acting out a performance of grief. Prints like these played a key role in shaping religious and cultural identities. By focusing on Mary’s suffering, Brebiette invites viewers to connect with the emotional core of the Christian narrative. Yet, the performative aspect introduced by the cherubs reminds us that these images were also carefully crafted tools in the religious and political landscape of the time.