Buste van Maria, in ovaal 1588 - 1602

This etching, titled "Buste van Maria, in ovaal," was created between 1588 and 1602 by Dutch artist Jacob Matham. The artwork depicts a bust portrait of the Virgin Mary in an oval frame, with her head slightly bowed and hands clasped in prayer. The detailed engraving, characteristic of Matham's work, captures the gentle solemnity of Mary’s expression, contributing to the reverence associated with the subject. This etching, now in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the artistic traditions of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, offering a glimpse into the devotional practices of the time.