Maria met het kind aan de borst 1639 - 1652

This is Petrus Clouwet's engraving, Maria met het kind aan de borst. Notice the composition; the figures of Mary, the Christ Child, and Joseph, surrounded by angels, are arranged in a pyramidal structure. The texture is rendered through fine, precise lines, creating a range of tonal values that give volume and depth to the figures. This monochrome palette emphasizes form and structure, directing our attention to the expressions and gestures of the figures. Clouwet uses the formal elements to engage with theological ideas. The deliberate arrangement and detailed execution reflect the era's engagement with clarity and order, aligning with religious themes of divinity and maternal love. The formal organization invites contemplation on the divine relationship between mother and child, reflecting the cultural codes of the time. The enduring power of this work lies in how the formal language of engraving conveys complex religious and cultural meanings.