Mary, Joseph and three angels c. 1475 - 1477

Adriaen van Wesel created this limewood sculpture, ‘Mary, Joseph and three angels’, now in the Rijksmuseum. Note how the soft, undulating lines of Mary's hair and the drapery of her gown create a gentle rhythm, contrasted by the rigid, vertical lines of the sculpture's overall form. The artist's choice of limewood is critical. Its fine grain allows for a remarkable level of detail in the carving. The texture invites tactile exploration, yet we are held back, creating a tension between desire and restraint. Observe the composition. The figures are compressed into a shallow space, emphasizing their closeness and spiritual unity. There is a clear hierarchy in the scale of the figures, Mary being the largest, which reinforces her significance. The sculpture's formal qualities create a dialogue between the earthly and the divine, reflecting broader philosophical concerns about humanity's place in the cosmos. This artwork is not just a representation, but a structured engagement with ideas about faith and perception.