Maagd Maria

About this artwork

plaatrand: hoogte 288 mm x breedte 211 mm

Art Historical Context

"Maagd Maria" (Virgin Mary), a steel engraving by Erin Corr from 1832, captures timeless religious icon in a precise and delicate medium. Measuring 288 mm in height by 211 mm in widthplate dimensions), this print exemplifies the devotional art popular in early 19th-century Europe where the Virgin Mary remained a central figure in Christian imagery, evoking piety and maternal grace. Steel engraving, emerging in the 1820s, revolutionized printmaking by allowing finer lines and greater durability than traditional copper plates. Corr's technique would have produced intricate details—perhaps in the folds of Mary's robes or her serene expression—ideal for high-quality reproductions distributed in books, portfolios, or homes. This method democratized art, making sacred subjects accessible beyond oil paintings in churches. In 1832, amid Romanticism's emphasis on emotion and spirituality, such engravings bridged classical religious traditions with emerging industrial printing innovations. A poignant reminder of faith's enduring role, "Maagd Maria" invites visitors to appreciate the fusion of artistry and devotion in this modest yet masterful plate.

About the Artist

Erin Corr · 1803–1862

Erin Corr (1803–1862) was an Irish engraver of exceptional skill and dedication, born in Brussels of Irish descent on an unknown date in 1803 and dying on August 10, 1862. His career exemplified the internationalism of 19th-century European art, as he trained in Belgium and France before establishing himself as a professor at the Antwerp Academy, where he influenced the next generation of engraver...