Maria, moeder van Christus 1558 - 1562

Philips Galle created this engraving of Maria, moeder van Christus, sometime between 1537 and 1612. Galle was a pivotal figure in the dissemination of artistic ideas during the Northern Renaissance. In this work, Mary is not just a religious icon but a figure through which Galle engages with contemporary concerns. Her serene yet sorrowful expression invites empathy, drawing us into her personal experience as both a mother and a symbol of faith. Galle presents her amidst ruins, a powerful visual metaphor for the decline of empires and perhaps a commentary on the religious and political upheavals of his time. Consider how the image reinforces or challenges the traditional representations of women in religious art, inviting viewers to reflect on the intersection of faith, motherhood, and societal change. The emotional depth and symbolic richness makes this work a poignant reflection on human resilience amid societal decay.