Maria met Christuskind in kribbe 1666 - 1707

Curator: This is "Maria met Christuskind in kribbe," which translates to "Mary with Christ Child in Crib," an engraving made sometime between 1666 and 1707, after an original artwork by G. Edelinck. Editor: My first thought is about how soft it looks, despite being a very detailed engraving. It's as if a gentle light is enveloping the figures of Mary and the child. The tones, the textures…there’s a softness that's unexpected. Curator: Yes, there’s a tenderness certainly, but there's also something deeper here for the viewer. Images of Mary cradling the infant Christ are ubiquitous throughout Christian art. However, the intimate moment Edelinck captured carries centuries of devotion and the complex weight of the role bestowed upon Mary as the Mother of God. Editor: Look at the composition though. The strong verticals of the draped cloth draw your eye from the Christ Child directly up to Mary's contemplative face. It is beautifully organized with a distinct vertical orientation which is offset by the angle of Christ in the cradle. It’s visually very effective. Curator: Indeed. She gazes down upon the infant, seemingly aware of the magnitude of his destiny. Notice how she holds a piece of cloth. This can be viewed as the veil, symbolic of her purity, but is also acting as a protective covering for the vulnerable Christ. It visually connects her maternal role with his sacred status. Editor: Do you think the engraver leaned into the texture of the line to create the impression of fabric, even silk, in Mary's robes? See how the linear density shifts and bunches around the form of the robe creating tonal differences. It adds incredible dimension. Curator: Absolutely, it contributes to a palpable emotional experience. The viewer cannot help but feel connected to the story of faith, protection, and divine love represented within this intimate scene. I think that is a perfect summary of the engraving’s appeal! Editor: I was drawn in by its textures and tonality, and am equally engaged with the artist's treatment of such a classic subject matter. The interplay of light and shadow is exceptional, and offers the opportunity to contemplate the relationship of those formal elements with such deep spiritual concepts.