Virgin and Child 1595 - 1635

This is Simon Frisius’s ‘Virgin and Child’, an engraving made around the early 17th century. Observe the pear that the Virgin offers to the Christ child. The pear, often associated with the Virgin Mary, represents the sweetness and love of the divine. The offering of fruit connects to earlier depictions of Eve offering the apple to Adam. This motif is inverted here, offering not temptation but salvation. This gesture is echoed in countless images across time, from ancient fertility rituals to Renaissance paintings. Note how the motif has evolved—the pear transforms from a symbol of earthly temptation to one of heavenly grace. This evolution speaks to our collective memory, a subconscious recognition of the past that influences how we perceive the present. The image thus engages viewers on a deep level, evoking feelings of comfort and hope, as we witness the promise of redemption. This symbol has resurfaced and evolved, taking on new meanings throughout history.