Maria met Kind 1808 - 1864

Achille Désiré Lefèvre created this mezzotint print, "Maria met Kind," in the 19th century. Its iconography is traditional: the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus. Images like this one can tell us a lot about the social values of the time. The figure of Mary has been culturally important for centuries, she embodies motherhood, purity, and compassion. In 19th-century Europe, the rise of bourgeois culture led to an increased emphasis on domesticity and family values. Images of the Holy Family reinforced these ideals, promoting a particular vision of the family unit. The image creates meaning through visual codes: Mary’s modest dress and gentle expression convey humility and virtue, reinforcing her role as a moral example. The tenderness and nurturing in the image reflect cultural ideals of motherhood. By studying the print and the historical context in which it was made, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural values that shaped its creation. This kind of research, using sources from the period, is essential if we are to grasp the complex relationship between art and society.