Anna en Maria c. 1640 - 1680

"Anna en Maria" (c. 1640-1680) is a black and white etching by Cornelis van Caukercken (1625-1680) depicting a scene from the biblical story of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus. This artwork is housed in the Rijksmuseum, a prominent Dutch museum of art and history. The etching shows Anna, Mary's mother, seated and resting her hand on Mary's arm, as Mary, clad in a long gown, looks down with a contemplative expression. The scene is set against a backdrop of a classical pillar and a flowing curtain, with a blossoming branch hinting at the coming of spring and new beginnings.