What is the main theme depicted in the Röttgen Pietà?

The Röttgen Pietà vividly illustrates the theme of pain and suffering through its dramatic representation of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ. This artwork emphasizes the emotional anguish experienced by Mary, as she is depicted with an anguished expression, cradling her lifeless son. The raw physicality of Christ's body, showing the wounds and the lifelessness, further accentuates the sorrow and grief encapsulated within this scene. The stark realism and expression of despair foster a powerful connection to the viewer, evoking feelings of empathy and reflection on loss and mourning associated with the crucifixion.

In contrast, the other themes offered do not encompass the core message of the Röttgen Pietà. Joy and resurrection would imply a more uplifting representation, which is absent in this somber depiction. Victory and glory would also misrepresent the nature of the scene, as it focuses instead on tragedy and lamentation. Nature and harmony are irrelevant to this specific artwork, as the focus is entirely on the human emotional experience rather than the natural world or aesthetic balance.