The Virgin with the Child Blessing 1588 - 1598

This engraving of the Virgin with the Child Blessing was made by Jan Muller around the late 16th or early 17th century. Look closely at the halos encircling the heads of Mary and the infant Jesus. These aren't merely artistic conventions; they represent divine light, a symbol found across cultures to denote enlightenment and holiness. Consider how the halo differs from earlier depictions; the radiating lines add a dynamic quality, almost as if the divine light is an active force. This symbol appears in various forms, from the sun discs of ancient Egyptian deities to the mandorlas in Byzantine icons. It’s a visual echo resonating through time. The blessing gesture of the child, too, is noteworthy. Trace it back to ancient Roman oratory, where a similar gesture signified authority and benediction. It appears throughout Christian art, evolving into a sign of grace. This image serves as a potent reminder of how symbols transcend time, carrying layers of meaning and emotion across generations.