Maria aanbidt het Kind 1636 - 1637

This print, titled "Maria aanbidt het Kind," whose artist is anonymous, resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Produced during a time of significant religious and social upheaval, this work encapsulates the complex dynamics of devotion, gender, and power. The image depicts Mary kneeling in adoration of the Christ Child, with Joseph observing. Consider the gaze: Mary’s is cast downwards, embodying humility. Yet, her central placement challenges traditional patriarchal structures by positioning her as a key figure in the divine narrative. What does it mean to represent a woman as both powerful and submissive? The intimate scene invites us to reflect on the roles prescribed to women, particularly in religious contexts, and how these roles intersect with ideals of motherhood and piety. This engraving reflects, and perhaps subtly questions, the societal expectations of women during its time.