Virgin and Child c. 1655

Rombout Verhulst carved this Virgin and Child in ivory, a material that lends itself to both purity and preciousness. The Madonna, the 'vessel' as she was known in medieval times, is here seen cradling the infant Christ. This motif is an echo that reverberates through centuries, a palimpsest of maternal love and divine promise. Consider the Madonna’s pose: It’s reminiscent of ancient images of Isis holding Horus, a testament to the persistence of archetypes. This maternal embrace crosses cultures. In the East, similar poses appear, such as the Buddhist deity Hariti, goddess of fertility, with a child. These figures are not mere copies but a continuation of a deeply rooted human impulse to visualize care and protection. Observe the serene expression that speaks to the peace she exudes, a calm that transcends time and place. This enduring representation taps into our collective consciousness, resonating with viewers on a profound, subconscious level. The motif has seen many incarnations throughout history, each iteration a new layer of meaning added to its emotional depth.