Madonna op de maansikkel 1500 - 1525

This print of the Virgin and Child, of modest scale, was created by an artist known only as the Master of the pierced heart. The composition’s symmetry, defined by the Madonna at its center, evokes a sense of classical balance. The figures are rendered with delicate lines, creating a surface texture that draws the eye. The Virgin, framed by angels and celestial symbols, embodies serenity, yet the pierced heart at the base introduces an element of suffering. We can interpret the heart as a semiotic sign, signifying not just love but also the pain and sacrifice. It acts as a counterpoint to the composition, infusing the scene with layers of meaning that extend beyond mere religious representation. Note the artist's engagement with surface and symbol, a reminder that meaning is often found not in grand gestures but in the subtle interplay of form and sign.