Titelblad met Maria met kind zittend op de maansikkel 1500 - 1516

This woodcut, by Hans Springinklee, presents the Virgin Mary and Child seated on a crescent moon. The moon, often associated with purity and the feminine, has ancient roots, predating Christianity. The Greeks revered Selene, goddess of the moon, embodying cycles and renewal. Here, the Madonna, framed by cherubic faces in billowing clouds, embodies celestial grace. This imagery echoes ancient depictions of goddesses in Mesopotamian art, where Ishtar, Queen of Heaven, was also linked to astral symbols. The motif’s cyclical journey reveals humanity’s enduring fascination with the divine feminine. From pagan goddesses to the Virgin Mary, this symbol resurfaces, charged with emotional power. The image taps into deep-seated psychological longings for nurturing, protection, and the eternal cycle of life, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The visual echoes across millennia remind us that these archetypes live within us.