Biddende geestelijke voor Maria met kind c. 1506 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer created this engraving, titled "Praying Cleric Before Mary and Child", sometime in the early 16th century. The image reflects the religious and social hierarchies of the time. Mary, as the mother of Jesus, sits enthroned, holding her child. Her serene and detached expression contrasts with the cleric kneeling before her. This juxtaposition underscores the divine status of Mary and Jesus in relation to earthly supplicants, as well as the power of the church. The cleric’s act of kneeling symbolizes humility and reverence, reinforcing the societal expectation of deference to religious authority. In the background, a battle rages, a reminder of the ever-present conflicts of the era. Altdorfer masterfully uses the detailed background to suggest the broader social and political contexts that permeate even the most intimate and spiritual moments. The image serves as a reminder of the intricate dance between faith, power, and the human condition during a period of religious and social upheaval.