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    © Siegerlandmuseum 2026
    Object: RS 233, Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640), Willem de Leeuw (1603 - 1665), Mater Dolorosa
    Peter Paul Rubens

    Mater Dolorosa

    Dimensions
    30.2 x 20.8 cm
    Material / Technique
    paper/etching
    Category:
    Rubens prints
    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.