The Curtain (Le Rideau), 1890, Adrien de Witte, Belgian, Li?ge 1850¡VLi?ge 1935, 29 7/16 ¡Ñ 20 3/16 in. (74.8 ¡Ñ 51.3 cm), Black chalk and black crayon with white highlights on tan paper, Belgium, 19th century, A young, long-haired woman stands at the edge of a stage in front of a large, sumptuous curtain. She wears a crown of thorns. She is the Madre Miserocordia, the Mother of Mercy, one of the many titles bestowed on Mary the mother of Jesus by her devotees in the Roman Catholic Church. Her simple attire¡Xlong skirt, sleeveless blouse, and sandals¡Xemphasizes her humility. She looks out to an unseen audience, drawing back the curtain as she points to what lies behind. In the shadows we can make out six huddled figures. Two children are in front. Further back we find two women¡Xone young, one middle-aged. Deep within we can make out two more figures, possibly an elderly couple. These are the downtrodden, the poor, the forgotten. The Mother of Mercy reminds us of our duty to remember them and to help them.