Maria zoogt het Christuskind 1580 - 1650

This engraving, titled "Maria zoogt het Christuskind", was made by an anonymous artist. It depicts Mary breastfeeding the Christ Child in a serene landscape. The print offers a window into the religious and social values of its time, likely originating from the Netherlands. During this period, the image of Mary breastfeeding Jesus was a potent symbol, deeply rooted in religious doctrine and daily life. Such images reinforced the significance of motherhood and the sanctity of family. They also reflected the culture's understanding of women's roles. The choice of a circular format, or "tondo", was very fashionable during this time, evoking classical associations. The presence of everyday figures, like the shepherd, and familiar objects, like the basket, domesticates the image of the Holy Family. Understanding the socio-cultural context through historical records and religious texts helps us grasp how the artwork functioned as a devotional object and a mirror reflecting contemporary values and beliefs.