The Holy Family and St. Clara 1595 - 1647

Simon de Pas created this engraving, The Holy Family and St. Clara, in the 17th century, a period marked by religious fervor and the rise of print culture. De Pas’s work reflects the complex intersections of gender, sanctity, and religious doctrine. The image presents Mary not only as the mother of Jesus, but also as an idealized figure of female purity and maternal love, a representation deeply rooted in the patriarchal structures of the time. St. Clara, who renounced her noble status for a life of poverty and devotion, offers grapes to the Christ child. This act can be interpreted as a gesture of humility and a recognition of divine authority, but it also hints at the agency of women within religious communities. Through his engraving, de Pas invites us to reflect on the roles and expectations placed upon women. The emotional power of the artwork resides in this tension between prescribed roles and acts of individual devotion.