H. Anna, met Maria en het Christuskind 1550 - 1650

This engraving, H. Anna, met Maria en het Christuskind, was created by Wierix, who was active in Antwerp during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The work illustrates Saint Anne meeting Mary and the Christ Child, set against a detailed background landscape. Wierix lived during a time of significant religious and political upheaval. His engravings often reflect the intense spiritual environment of the Counter-Reformation. In this context, the depiction of female figures like Saint Anne and Mary takes on an added layer of meaning, representing ideals of piety, motherhood, and female virtue, as these were defined by the Catholic Church. The intense gaze between Saint Anne and Mary evokes a powerful connection across generations, emphasizing the lineage and continuity of faith. This emotional charge asks the viewer to consider their own place within such traditions. The artwork encourages reflection on the roles and expectations placed upon women, both historically and in contemporary society, while capturing the tender, intimate moment between mother, grandmother, and child.