Saint Willebrord, from Saints of the North and South Netherlands 1650

Cornelis Visscher created this print of Saint Willebrord sometime between 1628 and 1658. The composition is dominated by the imposing figure of the saint, rendered in detailed strokes that give a palpable sense of texture to his ornate robes and facial features. Consider how Visscher uses the interplay of light and shadow to direct our gaze. The saint's face, illuminated and turned upwards, creates a focal point that contrasts with the darker, more elaborately patterned areas of his garments. The halo, constructed from linear rays, does not merely denote divinity, but also functions as a structural element that draws the eye upwards, reinforcing the verticality of the composition. The linearity of the engraving technique, with its emphasis on line and form, echoes the period's broader artistic concerns with clarity and order. It is a masterful example of how the formal properties of a work can embody the intellectual and spiritual values of its time.