Maria bij ruïne met Christuskind dat de knielende Johannes de Doper zegent 1632 - 1693

Francois de Poilly created this print, Maria bij ruïne met Christuskind dat de knielende Johannes de Doper zegent, using etching. Notice how the composition is structured by contrasting light and dark, leading our eyes through a sequence of carefully arranged figures and landscapes. The serene, softly lit figure of Mary anchors the composition, her gaze directed towards the children. The ruin is an important motif. It juxtaposes ideas of decay and renewal. The ruin serves as a semiotic marker, suggesting the transience of earthly power against the eternal promise embodied by Christ. The delicate lines and shaded areas create a sense of depth, inviting us to contemplate the spiritual narrative. The arrangement challenges conventional religious art, where divine figures are typically depicted in formal, idealized settings. Here, we are presented with a more intimate, human tableau set against a backdrop that speaks of history and change.