Maria op de maansikkel c. 1626 - 1676

This is Joannes Galle's engraving of the Virgin Mary, likely made in the 17th century. Floating amidst clouds and angels, she stands upon a crescent moon, her hands clasped in prayer as she is crowned Queen of Heaven. This motif of Mary standing on the moon, a symbol with roots in ancient lunar goddesses like Diana, has permeated visual culture. We see its echoes in depictions of female saints and even secular rulers who borrowed Marian iconography to assert authority. The crown itself, an ancient symbol of power dating back to antiquity, signifies not just regal authority, but spiritual power, a concept that intertwines the earthly and the divine. The image's emotional impact arises from its dreamlike quality and its embodiment of hope and divine grace, reflecting our collective desire for celestial protection. This image has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.