The Small Madonna and Child 1470 - 1491

Martin Schongauer created this delicate engraving, The Small Madonna and Child, in the late fifteenth century. As an printmaker and painter in Colmar, Alsace, Schongauer became a leading figure in the Northern Renaissance. Here, the Madonna is rendered with flowing lines and a serene expression as she holds the Christ Child. Schongauer's intricate detailing of fabric and hair is a testament to his technical skill, and speaks to the prosperity of the region during the period. The print reflects the era's deep religious devotion, but what does it tell us about the role of women? Mary is presented as both regal and tender, embodying idealised feminine virtues of the time. Yet this image also prompts us to consider the limitations placed on women in a patriarchal society, where motherhood was often seen as their primary purpose. It's a window into the past, inviting us to reflect on enduring themes of faith, gender, and identity.