Study of the Virgin and Child 1640 - 1655

Cornelis Schut rendered this drawing, *Study of the Virgin and Child,* in either red chalk or sanguine, on paper. Schut lived in a time when the Catholic Church sought to revive its religious imagery. Consider how the figure of the Virgin Mary and her child, Jesus, functioned as a symbol deeply embedded in religious, social, and gendered contexts of the 17th century. The idealized depiction of the Virgin and Child reinforced societal expectations of motherhood, and the role of women as nurturers. In doing so, it maintained the social hierarchies of the time. Note how Schut attempts to capture a naturalistic rendering of the human form. His ability to do so reflects the increasing importance of scientific observation during the period. Yet, despite its detailed rendering, the scene evokes an emotional resonance. The tender interaction between mother and child conveys a sense of intimacy. It is an approach that invites viewers to connect with the divine on a more personal level. The image offered a comforting vision during times of political and religious unrest.