Maria met Kind op wereldbol 1665

This is Etienne Picart’s engraving, "Maria met Kind op wereldbol", made sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The composition is dominated by a central, vertical axis, upon which the figures of Mary and the infant Jesus are presented. Note how the artist uses light to draw our eyes to the rounded forms of the figures, which are set against a backdrop of swirling clouds and cherubic faces. Picart employs a hierarchical structure, placing Mary atop a globe and crushing a serpent underfoot, symbolizing the triumph of virtue over evil. This arrangement isn't just a display of religious iconography, but it's also a deliberate construction of power dynamics. The semiotic weight of these symbols is palpable. The globe signifies dominion, while the serpent represents sin and temptation. Consider how the formal elements—the lines, the shading, and the composition—work together to create a scene that's not merely representational, but deeply symbolic. It invites us to consider the cultural values and philosophical underpinnings of the time. This engraving serves as an enduring example of how art can challenge and reinforce established meanings through its visual language.