Madonna met kind 1618 - 1655

This small etching of the Madonna and Child was crafted by Cornelis Schut. The composition is immediately striking; the figures of Mary and Jesus dominate the foreground, their forms rendered with dense, cross-hatched lines that create a rich texture. This intimate portrayal, achieved through tight, almost claustrophobic, framing, directs our gaze to the emotional exchange between mother and child. Schut's masterful use of line is evident in the way he models the figures, using varying densities to suggest light and shadow. The background, a stark contrast to the foreground's complexity, features simple linear rays emanating from the child, suggesting divine light. Formally, this work embodies the artistic values of the Baroque period, emphasizing dynamism and emotional intensity. Yet, it also challenges fixed meanings through its raw, unidealized portrayal of the Madonna. The etching's structural elements invite us to consider not just the religious narrative, but also the human, relational dynamics at play. This piece is not merely a depiction; it's an invitation to reflect on the interplay between the divine and the earthly, captured in a web of meticulously rendered lines.