Madonna della Sedia 1661

"Madonna della Sedia" was created by Pieter van Schuppen sometime in the 17th century. It's an engraving that captures the Virgin Mary embracing the infant Christ. During this period, depictions of the Madonna and Child were not just religious symbols; they often reflected broader societal values around motherhood and family. Schuppen, working within this tradition, presents a scene that emphasizes tenderness and maternal love, ideals deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the time. Yet, we might also consider how these images, while seemingly universal, are rooted in specific cultural and class perspectives. The idealized portrayal of Mary can be seen as both a celebration of motherhood and a construction that reinforces certain expectations of women. This artwork serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined art is with the social contexts from which it emerges. It invites us to reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves and each other.