Benedicta tu in Mulieribus, from Christian and Profane Allegories 1560 - 1617

This is Hendrick Goltzius's "Benedicta tu in Mulieribus," an engraving made sometime in the late 16th century. The composition is structured around a central, seated figure, presumably the Virgin Mary, surrounded by a group of women. Above, a fountain sprays water which falls like seeds or stars, creating a visual sense of abundance. Note the intricate border filled with text and symbolic imagery. The artist employs a dense network of fine lines to create areas of light and shadow, giving volume to the figures and texture to the draperies. The structure and composition of this piece are not merely decorative. They function as a semiotic system, using recognizable symbols to communicate complex theological ideas. Consider, for example, the fountain, which may symbolize the source of grace, or the surrounding figures, who could represent the virtues associated with the Virgin Mary. Goltzius challenges fixed meanings through the layered use of symbols and visual metaphors. The engraving destabilizes simple interpretation, offering a rich site for ongoing contemplation.