Maria geeft het Christuskind de borst (Maria lactans) 1873 - 1894

This etching by Henri Felix Vion depicts the Virgin Mary breastfeeding the Christ Child, a tender scene echoing the 'Madonna Lactans' motif. The act of nursing transcends mere sustenance; it's a profound symbol of nurture, divinity, and maternal love. This image reverberates with ancient echoes. Consider the Egyptian goddess Isis nursing Horus, a parallel that underscores the archetype of the nurturing mother, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Such imagery taps into primal emotions, engaging viewers on a level far beyond conscious thought. The Virgin’s pose mirrors countless depictions across centuries, each artist subtly reshaping this enduring symbol to reflect their era's values and spiritual understanding. The 'Madonna Lactans' isn't merely a religious icon; it's a testament to the cyclical nature of symbols, resurfacing and evolving, bearing witness to the ever-changing tapestry of human history and belief.