Madonna met kind 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut created "Madonna met kind" using etching techniques some time between 1612 and 1655. During this time, the Catholic Church played a vital role in society, and artists often depicted biblical scenes to reflect religious values. This etching presents the Madonna and child, a traditional Christian subject. However, Schut’s interpretation invites reflection on gender and power dynamics. Mary is depicted as a nurturing, maternal figure, but her gaze is averted, perhaps suggesting a sense of humility or resignation. The child holds a bunch of grapes, symbolizing the blood of Christ and his future sacrifice. This detail injects a moment of foreshadowing into an otherwise peaceful image. The image also offers a meditation on motherhood, divinity, and the complex interplay between the sacred and the everyday. Although steeped in religious symbolism, the emotional core of the artwork remains deeply personal, prompting us to consider the weight of destiny.