Madonna met kind 1580 - 1638

This print of the Madonna and Child was made by Samuel van Hoogstraten, a Dutch artist, in the 17th century. It's a fascinating example of how religious imagery was used to convey not just spiritual, but also social and political ideas. Looking at the print, we see the Madonna as a regal figure, adorned with a crown and surrounded by celestial symbols. This depiction would have resonated deeply in the Dutch Republic, a society undergoing significant religious and political shifts. The Catholic imagery evokes both the Holy Roman Empire and the Spanish Crown, against which the Dutch Republic had successfully rebelled. The institutional embrace of the Catholic imagery, and its popular appeal, tells a story of complex historical and social relations. To truly understand this artwork, we can consult period documents, religious texts, and political pamphlets. These resources help us uncover the layers of meaning embedded in the image and its reflection of the social conditions of the time.