Maria en Jozef bij een herberg 1558

Frans Huys' "Maria en Jozef bij een herberg" (1558) depicts the biblical story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in a crowded inn. The scene is rendered in a detailed black and white style, highlighting the weariness of the journey. The innkeeper, busy with patrons, ignores the couple, forcing them to seek refuge outside. The dramatic use of light and shadow emphasizes the inn’s crowded interior in contrast to the quiet despair of Mary and Joseph, highlighting the humanity of the biblical figures. This small-scale etching, now in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Huys' mastery of detail and his ability to create vivid narratives within a restricted space.