Enos met zijn vrouw en kinderen 1530

This is an engraving by an anonymous artist titled ‘Enos met zijn vrouw en kinderen’ now held in the Rijksmuseum. The composition presents a biblical family statically posed against a neutral backdrop, with Enos holding a staff. The family’s clothing is rendered with dense cross-hatching. This technique not only defines forms but also creates a rich, tactile surface that draws the eye. The arrangement of figures – the parents standing tall and the children scattered at their feet – reinforces a traditional hierarchy. The stark contrast between light and shadow and the intricate details of the fabrics suggest a concern with surface texture. This concern can be seen as an exploration of how visual elements communicate status. Note how the artist explores the symbolic potential of family, and how it relates to broader cultural ideas about identity. The static nature of the figures invites viewers to find meaning through cultural codes, prompting an ongoing interpretation of values.