Anna en Maria c. 1640 - 1680

Cornelis van Caukercken made this engraving, Anna en Maria, sometime between 1625 and 1680. Reflecting the religious fervor of 17th-century Europe, the piece depicts Saint Anne with her daughter, the Virgin Mary, in an intimate embrace. At a time when women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, religious art often provided a space for exploring female experiences and relationships. Here, we see the bond between mother and daughter elevated to a sacred level. The tender interaction—the gentle clasp of hands, the protective arm around Mary—suggests a deep connection and the transmission of wisdom from one generation to the next. Consider the power of this image, where female figures take center stage in a narrative of faith and devotion. How does it challenge or reinforce the social norms of its time? What emotions does the image evoke in you, and how do those feelings connect to your own experiences of family and identity?