Man of Sorrows

The painting shows elements from the story of the Passion. The seated Jesus wears the crown of thornes and has a red cape around his shoulders. In his hands he holds flagellation tools: whip and rod. Next to him is a basket with crucifixion equipment: hammer and nails, and a rope to raise the cross.

The title Man of Sorrows is derived from Isaiah 53:3-4, a passage that is often seen as predicting the coming of the Messiah. It was a very popular subject in the 15th century. The fact that the catholic painter Bloemaert made this panel, suggests that among catholics the popularity lasted well into the 17th century.