Maria met kind 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created this drawing of Maria met kind with pen in gray ink around the late 18th century. Van den Bos was a Dutch artist working in a period defined by the Enlightenment and shifts in religious and social norms. The image shows Mary holding the baby Jesus, her gaze lowered in gentle adoration as a halo radiates above her head. Within the context of its time, such a piece reflects the cultural emphasis on motherhood and the idealized image of women as nurturing and virtuous. Yet, by focusing on the intimate, human connection between mother and child, Van den Bos evokes a tender emotionality. The drawing invites reflection on the enduring themes of maternal love and religious faith, and serves as a reminder of the complex ways in which art can both uphold and subtly challenge the norms of its time.