The Virgin as Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows), Pietro Torrigiani (attributed to), c. 1507 - c. 1510

The Virgin as Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows), Pietro Torrigiani (attributed to), c. 1507 - c. 1510

terracotta with polychromy (oil paint), h 43.7cm × w 37.5cm × d 25cm Catalogue entry

This poignant bust of the Virgin, lamenting the death of her son, Jesus, was probably made by Pietro Torrigiani, an Italian living in Bruges, where he was in the service of Archduchess Margaret of Austria. For Margaret, herself a grieving widow, the theme of Mary’s mourning had great resonance. The figure’s lifelike appearance made it easier to identify with the Virgin’s sorrow.

On display in room 0.1

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