Our Lady of Sorrows

Religious art of the Middle Ages abounds in works referring to the life of Mary, mother of Jesus. The sources of depictions are biblical descriptions, their literary interpretations and theological reflections on Mary's role in Salvation. The strong need for an image that justified beliefs and made them true, especially in the late Middle Ages, stemmed from piety based on imitation of Christ (imitatio Christi), co-perception of suffering (compassio) and spiritual identification (conformitas). The image embodied almost everything sacred, allowing the most profound emotions to be experienced. Its importance in the religiosity of the late Middle Ages even grew to an element of faith. Mater Dolorosa type representations focus on Mary's painful suffering as a mother and her complicity in the history of redemption. The overwhelming sadness on the face of the slender and graceful Trzebiatów figure evokes admiration and deep emotion. The fully plastic and free-standing statue was probably part of the so-called Crucifixion Group, a medieval custom placed high in the Church. The image of Mater Dolorosa standing under the cross recalls the events of Golgotha. Being painful at the passion and loss of her son, the mother stands beneath the cross with the martyred son. Reflecting on Mary's experiences, she was encouraged to repent and seek reconciliation with God.

Kinga Krasnodębska