Madonna met kind 1618 - 1655

This is Cornelis Schut’s delicate etching, "Madonna met kind," a small work made with ink on paper. At first glance, you may notice the stark contrast created by the linear marks against the white paper. These lines define the figures of Mary and the infant Christ, setting them against a backdrop of radiating lines that could suggest divine light or energy. The composition is structured around the gaze of the Madonna. Her profile is rendered with fine, detailed lines which direct our focus towards the child, whose figure is drawn with more robust marks and a less refined finish. This variation in technique might suggest an emphasis on the innocence and purity of the child, contrasting with the more worldly, sorrowful expression of the Madonna. Schut’s mark-making creates a textured surface that adds depth to the simple form. The radiating lines behind the figures, while contributing to the spiritual theme, also function as a structural element, framing and drawing attention to the central figures. Through a combined use of symbolism and formal technique, Schut prompts a contemplation on the roles of mother and child.