Maria met Kind in een nis, versierd met guirlandes 1586 - 1650

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving of Maria and Child in a niche decorated with garlands around the late 16th or early 17th century. During this time, the Catholic Church used art to reaffirm religious doctrine amidst the rise of Protestantism. Here, Mary stands in a regal pose holding the Christ child, positioned within an elaborately adorned niche. Angels surround her, some bearing garlands of fruit and flowers, symbols often associated with abundance and divine favor. But these images are not as innocent as they seem, Mary is presented as the ideal of motherhood. This representation perpetuates the idea of women's roles within the confines of maternity and piety. This work not only reflects the religious and cultural values of its time but also subtly reinforces societal expectations around gender and devotion. It serves as a reminder of how art can both inspire and subtly enforce cultural norms.