De ouderdom 1680 - 1704

Cornelis Dusart created this oval engraving of the Virgin and Child sometime between 1660 and 1704. Its delicate lines reveal an artist steeped in the traditions of Dutch printmaking, a medium with deep roots in the country’s political and religious history. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping popular piety, particularly in the Catholic regions of the Netherlands. The image of Mary, her face radiating serenity, cradling the infant Jesus, speaks to the era's deep religious sentiments. The Latin inscription framing the image translates roughly to “Place me as a sign upon your arm… as a sign upon your heart,” suggesting a personal and devotional connection. Understanding this print requires us to consider the religious and social context of the time. The relationship between the Catholic South and the Protestant North influenced artistic production, with prints serving as vehicles for religious expression and dissemination. By exploring the history of printmaking and the circulation of devotional images, we gain a richer understanding of the cultural and religious landscape in which Dusart worked.