Maria met Kind en Johannes de Doper c. 1520 - 1550

This chiaroscuro woodcut of Maria with Child and John the Baptist was created by Antonio da Trento around the mid-16th century. The composition is arranged within an oval frame, giving a sense of classical harmony, yet the figures within are rendered with a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Da Trento masterfully uses line and tone to create depth, drawing our eyes to the subtle gradations on Mary’s face and robes. The strategic use of hatching and cross-hatching not only defines form but also adds a textural richness. The light appears to sculpt the figures, lending them a tangible presence. This emphasis on form and materiality is typical of High Renaissance aesthetics. The woodcut medium itself becomes a signifier, with its inherent capacity for bold contrasts and graphic clarity. This artwork invites us to consider how formal elements can be employed to evoke both the spiritual and the sensual, challenging conventional notions of religious art.