The flower known as Mary's Tears, is a reminder of Mary's sorrow at Jesus' death. Mary's Tears, rejected in religious art as the Pietà and the Lamentation, is a symbol of Mary's deep sorrow over the death of Jesus. Such artworks display a range of emotions and underscore Mary's significance in the Christian narrative.
The flower known as Mary's Tears, is a reminder of Mary's sorrow at Jesus' death. These depictions of Mary's sorrow and bereavement for her son come to us through various artworks. One of the most significant expressions of this sorrow is seen in the Pietà, a theme prevalent among northern European artists that symbolizes her compassion as she mourns the dead Christ, whom she holds on her lap.
The term Pietà means 'Pity' or 'Compassion' and is famously represented in Michelangelo's sculpture, commissioned by a French Cardinal and situated in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. This theme and others like the Lamentation scenes, capture the anguish and deep emotional impact of Christ's death on Mary and his followers, showcasing a range of emotions from grief to bereavement.
A notable painting related to this theme is Our Lady of Sorrows by Villalpando, which depicts Mary with a dagger in her breast, symbolizing the pain from her sorrows.
The imagery of Mary mourning has been a prevalent theme that found expression not just in paintings but also in frescoes, sculptures, and other forms of religious art throughout history, reflecting on the human and divine aspects of her experience.
The artworks also emphasize her role in the Christian narrative, often providing the viewer with an opportunity to engage emotionally with the sacred scenes.