Vrouw met twee kinderen en een hond onder een boom 1620 - 1664

This etching, created by Stefano della Bella, captures a scene of domesticity with subtle symbolism. Observe the prominent motif of the tree, under which a woman rests with her children and a dog. The tree, a universal symbol, represents life, growth, and family, anchoring the composition with its protective presence. The mother's pose, reminiscent of the Virgin Mary, evokes themes of nurture, care, and maternal love. This protective posture echoes through art history, appearing in ancient Egyptian depictions of Isis nursing Horus, as well as in Renaissance Madonnas. The gesture conveys a sense of timeless emotional depth, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. This symbol of maternal protection and family bonding continues to resurface, evolving through various cultural interpretations, yet retaining its core essence of familial love and security.