Madonna met kind 1618 - 1655

This is Cornelis Schut's "Madonna met kind," an etching now held in the Rijksmuseum. The composition is immediately striking: a dense network of etched lines that define form and suggest texture. Schut's strategic use of hatching creates a remarkable tonal range, lending depth to the figures. The Virgin’s face, rendered with delicate lines, contrasts with the more robust treatment of the child. The radiating lines behind the figures not only suggest divinity but also serve as a structural element, organizing the composition. The etching is not merely a religious depiction; it is a study in contrasts. Smooth skin against textured fabric, light against shadow, all mediated through the artist's meticulous control of the etching technique. Ultimately, it is through this formal interplay that Schut elevates a traditional subject. The material qualities and technical skill invite you to explore the deeper symbolic meanings embedded within this print.