Maria met Kind 1600 - 1667

This is an engraving of Maria met Kind by Michel Lasne, dating back to the 17th century. Immediately, one's attention is drawn to the oval composition, a frame which encapsulates the intimate connection between mother and child. The texture achieved through fine, detailed lines creates a soft, almost velvety appearance, contrasting with the sharp precision of the text that encircles the central image. The formal structure invites a semiotic reading. The Virgin Mary is positioned centrally, her gentle gaze and embrace signifying protection. The oval shape is also symbolic; it suggests ideas of enclosure, safety and the eternal. The use of Latin text acts as a cultural code, signaling religious and intellectual authority. The stark contrast between light and shadow intensifies the emotional depth. Consider how the composition—oval within rectangle—destabilizes fixed meanings. The work is both a tender portrayal of maternal love and a carefully constructed artifact. The lines and forms work together to create meaning, inviting us to reconsider how we perceive the relationship between art and the viewer.