Maria met kind en vrouwelijke heilige met reliekhouder 1655 - 1699

Jean Louis Roullet engraved this image of the Virgin Mary and child with a female saint during the latter half of the 17th century. Observe the reliquary held by the saint, its gleaming surface reflecting the light, drawing the infant Christ's attention. This motif of a holy figure presenting an object to the Christ child resonates through centuries. We might recall similar depictions in earlier Byzantine icons where saints proffer sacred texts or miniature models of churches, symbols of knowledge and faith. Yet, the reliquary here suggests something more tangible: a connection to the earthly remains of holy figures, grounding the divine in human experience. Consider how such imagery taps into our collective psyche, our innate desire to connect with the sacred through physical objects. This haptic engagement is a powerful psychological mechanism, allowing us to feel closer to the divine. Note how this symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.