Peter Paul Rubens
Mater Dolorosa
Dimensions
30.2 x 20.8 cm
Material / Technique
paper/etching
COURAGE: Rubens Prints III
prints, photographs
Location: R 316 Rubens Cabinet
Artist
Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640)
Engraver
Willem de Leeuw (1603 - 1665)
About the object
The Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows) symbolizes the Virgin Mary in a state of mourning for Jesus. The Gospel of Luke states, ‘And a sword will pierce your own soul’. Accordingly, this etching shows her with a sword in her chest. The Virgin kneels between two angels: one supports her, the other pulls out the sword. Instead of concealing her extreme pain – over the loss of her own child – she endures it with courage and strength.