Maria met Kind en Johannes de Doper c. 1520 - 1550

This chiaroscuro woodcut, “Maria met Kind en Johannes de Doper”, was created by Antonio da Trento in the first half of the 16th century. Trento, an Italian printmaker, lived during the High Renaissance, a time where religious subjects were often depicted. The artwork portrays Mary with the infant Jesus and John the Baptist, set within an oval frame filled with foliage. Mary, with her face in profile, delicately holds grapes, symbolizing abundance and the blood of Christ. Jesus and John are depicted as chubby infants, their closeness conveying innocence and divine connection. Trento's choice of the chiaroscuro technique, using contrasting light and shadow, adds depth and volume to the figures, highlighting the emotional and spiritual intensity of the scene. The faces of Mary and the children, despite their stillness, evoke feelings of love, protection, and destiny. The composition, while traditional in its religious subject, humanizes the figures, making them relatable and tender. The artwork invites reflection on the complex interplay of faith, motherhood, and sacrifice, resonating with viewers across time through its portrayal of intimate and profound connections.