Madonna met Kind en engel in ovaal after 1625

This small engraving of the Madonna and Child with angel was made by Frederik Bouttats around the mid-17th century. We see the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, while a small angel nestles near her arm. Note the crown: the infant Christ raises it above his mother's head, a symbol of her future coronation as Queen of Heaven. This motif echoes in countless images throughout history, from Byzantine mosaics to Renaissance paintings. Consider how the act of crowning—imbued with notions of power, divinity, and triumph—resonates across cultures. Yet, the crown's meaning is never fixed. In ancient Rome, a crown of laurel signified military victory, while in pagan rituals, floral crowns were signs of fertility. Such objects tap into our collective memory, stirring deep, often subconscious associations. Observe how the tender embrace between mother and child, evokes a powerful sense of love and protection. This primal bond engages us on a profound level, reminding us of our earliest attachments. The symbol of the crown cycles through time, accumulating new layers of meaning.