Coronation of the Virgin 

Cornelis Schut created this print, "Coronation of the Virgin," in the 17th century, during a time when the Catholic Church was reasserting its authority through art. Here, we see the Virgin Mary being crowned as Queen of Heaven. God the Father and Christ preside over the coronation, while the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, hovers above. The artwork presents a hierarchy which places a female figure in a position of power within a patriarchal religious framework. The imagery reflects the cultural norms of the time, yet also raises questions about the role of women and the dynamics of power. This piece invites us to reflect on historical notions of femininity, power, and spirituality, and the emotional resonance of the divine feminine. It challenges us to consider how these themes intersect with gender and identity, even today.