Maria zoogt het Christuskind 1615 - 1691

This print, "Maria zoogt het Christuskind," presents a tender scene rendered through the delicate medium of etching. Notice the artist's strategic use of line, creating a dense, almost tactile texture, particularly in the background. This contrasts with the smoother, more softly rendered figures of Mary and the Christ child, emphasizing their presence. The composition is carefully arranged. Mary and Jesus are centrally located, drawing the viewer's eye to their intimate interaction, while the surrounding angels and Joseph frame the scene. The cross-hatching technique not only defines form but also introduces a play of light and shadow. In semiotic terms, the image is rich with Christian iconography. The act of breastfeeding signifies not just maternal care but also divine nourishment. The clustered angels are like heavenly witnesses. The artist invites us to contemplate the intersection of the earthly and divine, captured through the structure and form of the etching itself.