Maria met kind 1611 - 1647

This engraving of the Virgin and Child, made by Michel van Lochom in the 17th century, presents us with a powerful image of maternal love interwoven with spiritual devotion. Note the rosaries held by both figures, symbols of prayer and the mysteries of faith. The rosary, a string of beads, has ancient roots, appearing in various forms across cultures as a tool for meditation and spiritual practice. In Christianity, it evolved into a symbol specifically associated with the Virgin Mary, acting as both a devotional object and a tactile reminder of the prayers dedicated to her. Consider, the Lokesvara depictions in Buddhist art from centuries earlier. Like Mary, they symbolize boundless compassion. The continuous loop of the rosary mirrors life's cyclical nature, its beads marking moments of reflection, guiding us through life’s trials. This visual representation embodies an eternal cycle, reflecting how symbols evolve and adapt across time.