Maria met kind en druiventros 1655 - 1699

Curator: Here we have "Maria met kind en druiventros," or "Mary with child and bunch of grapes" attributed to Jean Louis Roullet. Dating somewhere between 1655 and 1699, this baroque engraving is held here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It’s such a tender scene, although the formality of the setting creates a certain distance. The contrast between the textures in the dark background and her softly lit face is remarkable. Curator: Indeed, and I find the focus on technique particularly striking. The precision in rendering the fabrics, the grapes... it speaks to a well-honed, labor-intensive process. Engravings of this period served a crucial function in disseminating imagery. Editor: Exactly, which brings in the question of the artwork's broader context: how would prints like this circulate and influence notions about motherhood and power? The inscription for Madame de Maintenon suggests this could've been part of cultivating an image of piety and status, influencing broader sociopolitical currents. Curator: Absolutely. Considering the materiality, the quality of the paper, the ink, the dissemination… each plays a part. The printmaking workshops also shaped this type of imagery. Editor: Precisely. Beyond just dissemination, prints held an active role. Think of how people might display this, perhaps framed in their homes—modifying meanings through decor and social setting. The gaze it cultivates speaks volumes. Curator: That intersection, where the formal setting meets intimate maternal engagement, makes me think of production, too. From the materials and tools required for its creation to its economic value in a thriving print market. This was more than art; it was industry. Editor: It’s truly multifaceted. Looking at "Maria met kind en druiventros", the engraving captures a specific cultural moment and simultaneously prompts reflection about the public and the private in that period. Curator: I agree. It’s a compelling confluence of material practice and social history. Editor: Definitely something to ponder long after you've left this gallery.