Kroning van Maria 1590 - 1632

Pieter de Jode I created this engraving, titled ‘Crowning of Maria’, in the Netherlands during the late 16th or early 17th century. It depicts Mary being crowned by God the Father and Jesus, with the Holy Spirit hovering above. Saints look on from below. This image, like many from its time, reinforces the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church. The composition places God and Jesus at the top, symbolizing their ultimate authority, which at the time had significant social and political implications. Consider that the Catholic Church was a powerful institution, deeply embedded in the social fabric of the Netherlands. Its teachings influenced everything from daily life to governance. Prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating religious doctrine and reinforcing the Church's authority. To truly understand this work, we would need to delve into the history of the Catholic Church in the Netherlands, exploring its role in society and its relationship with the political powers of the time.