Maria en Johannes de Doper bij slapend Christuskind 1648 - 1681

This etching by François de Poilly, created between 1648 and 1681, depicts the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and John the Baptist. Mary sits holding a veil over the sleeping Christ Child, while John kneels in prayer nearby. The scene is set against a backdrop of ruins and a distant cityscape, possibly alluding to the fragility of earthly life and the promise of eternal salvation. This particular print is in the Rijksmuseum collection and measures 418 mm in height by 298 mm in width. It showcases the mastery of De Poilly, a noted engraver who produced works for important patrons including Louis XIV. The engraving's subtle shading and detailed rendering of the figures and landscape demonstrate the artistry and skill of the period.