Maria met kind 1636

Jan Gerritsz van Bronckhorst created this print of the Virgin and Child in the Dutch Golden Age. The halo, a simple arc above each figure's head, immediately marks Mary and her son as sacred. These halos, which began appearing in Christian art as early as the 5th century, draw from earlier symbolic uses of light to denote divine status, as seen in Hellenistic depictions of gods. Consider, for example, the sun disk associated with Apollo. Here, the halos signify spiritual illumination, a concept that has evolved through various cultures and eras. In the Renaissance, the halo often manifested as a golden disc, solid and imposing, reflecting divine power. But in Bronckhorst's print, they are understated, almost ethereal. This shift reflects a move towards a more personal, less overtly authoritative depiction of religious figures. The enduring image of Mary holding Jesus resonates across time, embodying love and maternal warmth. This universal theme transcends the boundaries of time, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level.