Maria met kind en boek 1632 - 1693

Curator: Here we have Francois de Poilly’s "Maria met kind en boek," dating somewhere between 1632 and 1693. It’s currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It has such a gentle, serene quality. The oval frame contains the figures almost like a precious cameo. It’s quite remarkable how much detail is achieved in an engraving, from the delicate folds of Mary's veil to the soft curve of the child's cheek. Curator: Precisely! And let's not forget the societal implications of engraving. These prints allowed for wider distribution of religious iconography. Consider who had access to painted depictions versus who could afford a printed image. It really democratized access to sacred imagery, even in a society so strictly controlled. Editor: True. I'm also struck by the artist’s ability to convey depth and texture solely through line and shadow. Notice how the direction of the lines creates the illusion of three-dimensionality, giving weight and form to both figures, enhancing that tender, emotional depth. The book seems central as both a narrative and formal device, unifying the two figures. Curator: Yes, but think of the economic impact on the printing houses of the era, producing copies to meet demand. The creation of engravings also affected the workshops producing paper. It was a commercial enterprise as much as an artistic one. The "artist" was simply the skilled laborer. Editor: Of course, there’s an inherent tension between the unique artistry and the reproducible nature of engravings. Though, when viewing, I can't ignore how Poilly captures the bond between mother and child with such compelling composition and tonal balance. Curator: Absolutely, that interplay, the economics versus the spiritual is key. This wasn't art in a vacuum. The materials, production and distribution involved whole networks. Editor: Well, thinking about how those networks shaped this particular print definitely enriches the viewing experience. Curator: Indeed, analyzing these elements provides an entirely different perspective on appreciating it.