Madonna met Kind c. 1594 - 1659

Cornelis Boel created this engraving titled 'Madonna met Kind' sometime between 1576 and 1621. The artwork presents a tender, yet complex image of motherhood intertwined with religious destiny. During this period, the role of women, particularly mothers, was often idealized yet confined. The image of Mary, both nurturing and sorrowful, encapsulates this duality. Here, the infant Christ reaches for the cross, a symbol of his future sacrifice, while Mary offers her breast, symbolizing life and nourishment. The angel hovering nearby introduces a sense of divine purpose, but also impending loss. This engraving compels us to reflect on the maternal experience through a lens of faith, duty, and inevitable sorrow. It invites contemplation on the intersection of personal love and larger historical narratives. It is a poignant reflection on the burdens and joys of motherhood within a deeply religious context.