Liefde Possibly 1578 - 1709

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving called "Liefde," or "Love," which depicts Charitas, the embodiment of charity, as a woman surrounded by children. This image is striking, isn't it? The iconography of a mother figure surrounded by children dates back to ancient times. We see echoes of it in depictions of Isis nursing Horus, the Egyptian goddess embodying motherhood and protection. This motif resurfaces through the ages. The "Madonna and Child" in Christian art is another example, where maternal love is presented as a divine virtue. In Goltzius's interpretation, the classical sensuality of the female figure merges with the Christian ideal of charity. The children, clinging to her, are not just figures in a scene; they symbolize vulnerability and the need for compassion. This image evokes a powerful emotional response, tapping into our deep-seated memories and feelings about nurturing, protection, and the universal human need for love and care. It shows how symbols evolve, yet maintain a connection to our shared cultural and psychological past.