Kind en engel omhelzen elkaar 1590 - 1624

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert created this engraving, "Kind en engel omhelzen elkaar," or "Child and angel embrace," a small, but powerful piece. The context of its creation invites us to consider the shifting cultural values of the time, particularly around the spiritual and emotional lives of children. In this tender scene, a child is embraced by an angel, their bodies pressed close in a protective, loving gesture. This embrace counters traditional, more severe representations of childhood, inviting viewers to consider the innocence and inherent worth of a child's soul. The etching captures a moment of pure, unconditional love, set against a backdrop that hints at the world's challenges – a fortified structure and a figure in prayer. Bolswert uses the powerful imagery of a celestial being offering solace. The embrace creates an alternative narrative, one where innocence is sheltered, and love is a guiding force. This image prompts us to reflect on the emotional dimensions of faith. It also highlights the period's emerging emphasis on personal relationships with the divine.