Madonna aanbidt het Christuskind 1635 - 1644

Hendrik Snyers created this engraving, "Madonna Adoring the Christ Child," capturing a tender moment deeply embedded in religious and cultural narratives. Snyers, working in a 17th-century Flemish environment, engages with themes of motherhood, divinity, and reverence. The gaze between mother and child, framed by adoring angels, evokes the traditional representation of the Virgin Mary, emphasizing her purity and devotion. Yet, within this established iconography, there's room to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of motherhood. The image invites reflection on the societal expectations placed on women, particularly within the context of religious ideals. The Madonna, embodying both the human and the divine, encourages us to reflect on the intersections of faith, gender, and power. It is a reminder of the stories we tell ourselves about women, and how these stories influence our perceptions of identity.