Maria op schoot bij haar moeder Anna - Pieter Jacobsz. Paets

A detailed woodcut by Pieter Jacobsz. Paets depicting the Virgin Mary with Saint Anne, accompanied by musical angels and the Holy Spirit.

This woodcut by Pieter Jacobsz. Paets depicts the Holy Kinship, specifically the Virgin Mary seated on the lap of her mother, Saint Anne. The composition follows traditional iconographic conventions of the period, presenting a domestic yet sacred scene. Saint Anne is shown as the matriarch, holding the young Mary, while the infant Jesus is positioned nearby. The scene is populated by angelic figures, some playing musical instruments, which adds a layer of celestial celebration to the intimate family gathering. Above, the Holy Spirit is represented by a dove within a radiant circle, signifying divine presence.

The print includes Dutch text below the image, which serves as a didactic or devotional caption. The style of the woodcut is characteristic of early modern book illustration, utilising clear, bold lines to define figures and architectural elements. The perspective is somewhat compressed, typical of the medium, which prioritises symbolic clarity over spatial realism. The figures are draped in heavy, structured garments, a common stylistic choice in Northern European printmaking of the time. The inclusion of a small dog at the feet of the figures introduces a touch of naturalism, a frequent motif in Dutch art to denote domesticity and fidelity.

Pieter Jacobsz. Paets was active as a printmaker and illustrator, contributing to the visual culture of the Netherlands. His work often focused on religious themes, intended for a public familiar with biblical narratives. This print is an example of the intersection between devotional practice and the mass production of images through the woodcut technique. The work remains a clear record of the aesthetic and theological priorities of its time, offering a window into how sacred narratives were visualised for a contemporary audience.