Maria het kind in de wieg leggend 1610 - 1614

This etching by Jacob Matham, dated 1610-1614, depicts the Virgin Mary laying the baby Jesus in a cradle. The artwork, currently held in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the delicate details of the etching technique. The scene is infused with a sense of calm and serenity, as Mary's gentle touch on the child is emphasized. The figure of a cherub, observing the scene from the left, adds a touch of heavenly presence. The inscription beneath the scene, "Exce tori impatiens, tactys og ignara virilis," further accentuates the theme of Mary's maternal tenderness and the child's innocence. The composition highlights the contrast between the mother's protective care and the vulnerability of the infant, creating a powerful emotional impact.