Maria geeft het Kind te eten c. 1586 - 1612

This is an engraving titled "Maria geeft het Kind te eten" by Cornelis Galle I, made around the 17th century. The composition invites immediate attention to the figures arranged in a structured foreground against a dense backdrop. The scene presents a semiotic interplay between nature and divinity, seen through the detailed rendering and symbolic elements. Note how the lines create a visual texture, particularly in the drapery and foliage, adding depth and movement to the scene. The angel, positioned lower, directs our gaze upwards toward the holy family, creating a visual hierarchy. Structurally, the work uses contrasting tones to distinguish figures from the landscape, highlighting the sacred narrative. The precise lines contribute to the overall clarity, inviting viewers to decode the relationship between the figures and their environment. The print engages with established religious meanings, values, and categories of representation prevalent during the period. It compels us to question the artwork's reception and impact within its cultural and philosophical context.