The Lamentation of Christ

Catharina, daughter of the painter Jan van Hemessen, is one of the very few female artists of the 16th century. She is represented in this room by the charming portrait of an unknown woman. Here she depicts - in a subtle way - the drama of the lamentation, depicting a weeping yet suppressed sorrow. John displays visible grief as he touches a handkerchief to his face, and Mary Magdalene lovingly holds the hand of Christ. She is recognisable by her symbol, the ointment jar standing in the foreground. In the background we recognise the New Jerusalem, pictured brightly lit.