Maria geeft Christus de borst 1633 - 1672

This is a depiction by Willem Basse made some time in the 17th century, illustrating the Virgin Mary breastfeeding the Christ Child, a motif known as the "Madonna Lactans." The act of breastfeeding has deep roots in iconography as a symbol of maternal love, nurture, and the life-giving force. It goes back to ancient times, to the Egyptian goddess Isis nursing her son Horus. Over time, this motif migrated to different times and places, appearing during the Roman times as the goddess Juno, eventually being assimilated in the Christian context. The "Madonna Lactans" thus became a powerful emblem of divine and human connection. In this image, the vulnerability and purity of the Virgin Mary in the sacred act of breastfeeding becomes an expression of empathy and care. This imagery still resonates today; it speaks to the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, echoing across cultures and generations. The ability of symbols to evolve and adapt is a constant reminder that images contain enduring power and relevance.