Circle of Quentin Matsys: The 7 sorrows of the Virgin Mary (15th century)

(Unknown)


An altarpiece by an unknown artist. The painting shows the the so-called '7 sorrows of Mary'. Depicted are:

Top: The dispute with the doctors/ The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:43–45)
Second row, left: The flight to Egypt/ The escape and Flight into Egypt. (Matthew 2:13)
Second row, middle: The carrying of the cross
second row, right: The Crucifixion of Christ on Mount Calvary. (John 19:25)
Third row, left: The Prophecy of Saint Simeon. (Luke 2:34–35)
Third row, right: The Burial of Christ (John 19:40–42)
Bottom: The lamentation of Christ with saint John, Mary and Mary Magdalene(Matthew 27:57–59)

Maria with her 7 sorrows is usually worshiped as 'Our Lady of Sorrows' (feastday is september 15, in art she is shown as Maria with 7 swords piercing het hart)

Painting from the 15th century.