Mater Dolorosa, or Sorrowful Mother, is one of the many names for the Virgin Mary. Images like this one allowed the faithful to make a personal and emotional connection to Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, by meditating on the suffering she experienced during the crucifixion and death of her son. Her hands joined in prayer remind the viewer to turn pain into devotion to God.

Master of the Magdalen Legend, Flemish, late 15th / early 16th century,
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA, 12/01/19