Maria met Kind 1638 - 1670

Johannes Vinckboons created this engraving, Maria met Kind, in the mid-17th century. The print encapsulates a period marked by religious and political conflict, reflecting the era's deep-seated anxieties and yearning for spiritual solace. The image presents the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ locked in a tender embrace. Mary's gentle gaze and protective hold embody the idealized maternal figure. Yet, this image is also a carefully constructed projection of purity, set against the backdrop of the religious wars engulfing Europe. The Latin inscription "Vbera mea commorabitur dilectus meus mihi et ego" which translates to "My beloved shall dwell between my breasts, and I in him" suggests a reciprocal bond of love and protection. This speaks to a complex negotiation of gender roles and power dynamics within the religious framework of the time. While celebrating motherhood, it also reinforces the idea of women’s virtue as a symbol of religious purity. Ultimately, Vinckboons' engraving is a powerful reminder of how art reflects societal values, using intimate scenes to convey broader cultural and political meanings.