A hand-coloured woodcut from the early sixteenth century depicting the Virgin Mary as the Mater Dolorosa, attributed to the Dutch printer Doen Pietersz.

This hand-coloured woodcut by the Dutch printer and publisher Doen Pietersz. depicts the Virgin Mary as the Mater Dolorosa, or Mother of Sorrows. The iconography focuses on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, specifically the prophecy of Simeon, where a sword pierces her heart. The composition is typical of early sixteenth-century Northern European devotional prints, which were often produced for inclusion in prayer books or as loose-leaf broadsides for private contemplation.

The Virgin is shown in a seated position, her hands clasped in prayer, while a sword is directed toward her chest. The artist employs a linear style characteristic of woodblock printing from this period, with hatching used to define form and shadow. The addition of hand-applied colour, including the deep red of her robe and the blue of her mantle, provides a tactile quality to the print. A prominent halo radiates from behind her head, signifying her sanctity. To the left, a secondary figure, likely representing Simeon, observes the scene. The background includes a brick wall and a tree, grounding the figures in a simplified, symbolic space.

Doen Pietersz. was active in Amsterdam during the early sixteenth century. His work reflects the transition from late medieval devotional practices to the humanistic interests of the Northern Renaissance. The print demonstrates the technical constraints and aesthetic preferences of the era, where bold outlines and clear, symbolic imagery were prioritised to communicate theological narratives to a broad audience. The presence of the artist's monogram in the lower right corner confirms the attribution. This piece offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Low Countries, where the production of religious prints was a significant component of the burgeoning book trade. The work remains a clear example of the intersection between commercial printing and personal religious devotion.