The artwork titled “Sorrows” was created by the renowned artist Titian in the year 1554. This oil on panel painting measures 68 by 53 cm and is an exemplar of the Mannerism period, which is part of the Late Renaissance. It can be classified within the genre of religious painting. Presently, the artwork graces the collection of the Museo del Prado, located in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork portrays a poignant religious figure, which one might infer to be the Virgin Mary based on the customary iconography of the time and the nature of religious paintings from this period. She is depicted with a sorrowful and introspective expression, her gaze directed downward, signaling her mourning. Dressed in somber hues, her countenance and attire exemplify the characteristic emotional intensity and complexity associated with Mannerist works. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that manipulates the contrast of light and shadow, highlights her facial features, and the drapery of her garments, enhancing the overall dramatic effect of the moment captured. The choice of composition, with the figure occupying much of the frame and the focus on her expressive gesture, invites an intimate and empathetic response from the viewer.
