Virgin and Child and S. Martina c. 17th century

Editor: This engraving, Virgin and Child and S. Martina by François Spierre, has such a formal, almost theatrical feel. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The palm fronds held by both children symbolize victory, specifically the triumph over death, and are conventionally associated with Christian martyrs. Note how Martina’s attribute, the rake or curved staff, is echoed in the landscape. Editor: So, these recurring visual motifs tie the earthly realm to the divine? Curator: Precisely. The landscape itself is not merely background; it evokes a sense of sacred space through carefully placed symbols. This connects the viewer to a narrative much larger than the immediate scene. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll definitely look at engravings differently now.