Maria met Christuskind, omringd door heiligen en engelen 1661 - 1684

This engraving presents the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, surrounded by saints and angels. Note how the artist depicts Saint Jerome, seated upon a lion. This pairing stretches back to the Early Christian period, where the lion became Jerome's emblem after a popular story emerged of him removing a thorn from a lion's paw, leading the beast to become his loyal companion. Interestingly, the lion itself carries a rich and varied history, often embodying strength, courage, and royalty. In ancient Egyptian art, we see the lion as a symbol of power, guarding tombs and temples. Yet, its appearance with Saint Jerome transforms the lion into a symbol of humility and servitude, reflecting Jerome's own dedication to his faith. This is a potent example of how symbols evolve, their meanings reshaped by cultural narratives and individual experiences, constantly engaging our collective memory.