Half-length Virgin and Standing Child with Indications of a Young Saint John the Baptist at Left 1725 - 1785

Pedro del Pozo created this delicate drawing of the Virgin and Child in the 18th century. As an artist working within a deeply religious society, Pozo draws from well-established traditions of depicting the Holy Family. Yet, notice how Pozo uses his lines to express the intimate relationship between mother and child. Mary gazes down at Jesus with a tender expression, her body gently curved around him. The soft lines suggest a protective embrace, a universal image of motherhood. There's also a hint of the young Saint John the Baptist in the background, reminding us of the broader narrative of sacrifice and redemption central to Christian belief. But what does it mean to see these figures represented through the eyes and hands of a man? Does it perpetuate a certain idealized vision of femininity and motherhood? Or does it offer a devotional image, inviting viewers to contemplate the human dimensions of faith? It’s up to you to decide.