Maagd Maria c. 1588 - 1622

This is Jacques Granthomme's engraving, "Virgin Mary," made in the Netherlands sometime in the 17th century. It presents the Virgin Mary in a moment of serene contemplation, surrounded by a radiant halo. But what does such an image tell us about the society that produced and consumed it? In the 17th-century Netherlands, religious imagery was deeply intertwined with social and political life. The Catholic Church was a major institutional force, and depictions of saints and biblical figures served to reinforce its teachings and authority. Engravings like this one could have been widely circulated, bringing religious ideals into homes and personal spaces. The Virgin Mary, in particular, was a powerful symbol, embodying purity, motherhood, and divine grace. By examining the visual codes and cultural references within the image, and by consulting historical records, religious texts, and other primary sources, we can gain a richer understanding of the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in the Dutch Golden Age.