Sculptuur van albast en een sculptuur van marmer van Maria met kind, opgesteld op een tentoonstelling over religieuze objecten uit de middeleeuwen en renaissance in 1864 in Mechelen 1864

This photograph by Joseph Maes captures an exhibition in Mechelen in 1864, showcasing two sculptures of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child. The Madonna, a symbol of purity, maternal love, and intercession, stands as a cornerstone of Christian iconography. Note how the Madonna, often crowned and regally adorned, echoes the ancient concept of the earth mother goddess, a figure revered across cultures and epochs. The act of Mary holding the Christ Child is a potent symbol of nurturing and protection, resonating deeply within our collective consciousness. The pair creates a powerful emotional connection, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. From ancient Egyptian depictions of Isis with Horus to the Byzantine Theotokos, this motif of a mother and child transcends mere representation, embodying timeless themes of fertility, hope, and renewal. Even today, we see echoes of this archetype in secular imagery, a testament to its enduring power and its ability to resurface and take on new meanings.