Heilige Maagd en de dode Christus tussen engelen 1659

“Heilige Maagd en de dode Christus tussen engelen,” or “Holy Virgin and the Dead Christ Among Angels,” is a wash and brush drawing made by Moses ter Borch. Borch lived a short life, and his art reflects the cultural and religious context of 17th-century Europe. The image depicts the Virgin Mary holding the lifeless body of Christ, flanked by two angels holding candles. It’s a classic scene of mourning, but it also speaks to themes of sacrifice and redemption central to Christian belief. Note the maternal tenderness and the emotional weight carried in Mary's posture. The angels, ethereal and composed, bring an element of divine presence and solemnity. Borch has created a work that doesn’t just tell a religious story but also invites you to reflect on the emotional complexity of faith, loss, and love. It's a deeply personal piece, reflecting the artist's own contemplation of these themes.