Madonna van de Rozenkrans 1619 - 1675

Lucas Vorsterman I created this engraving, Madonna of the Rosary, in the 17th-century Netherlands. Here we see the Virgin Mary and Christ-child bestowing rosaries on supplicants. Consider the cultural and political weight of this seemingly simple image: rosaries, associated with rote repetition of prayers, were sometimes viewed with suspicion by reformers. But here they are shown as instruments of grace. The print subtly reinforces the doctrines of the Catholic Church, suggesting an institutional response to the Protestant Reformation, which had caused political and religious upheaval. Prints such as this one played a key role in the religious and political struggles of the period. Art historians look at visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations to find meaning. By studying the social conditions and institutional forces in which art is made, we can better understand its message and impact.