Zeven smarten van Maria 1510 - 1530

This is a 16th century engraving, entitled 'The Seven Sorrows of Mary', by the artist known only as Monogrammist S. The small, detailed images are organized within a circular framework, immediately drawing the eye to the stories that encapsulate Mary’s suffering. The composition uses shape and line to guide our reading of the scenes. Look at how the circular structure is intersected by vertical elements and a base, grounding the spiritual narrative in a visually stable form. The use of red ink to highlight the frames around each scene and the inscriptions creates a powerful contrast. This contrast enhances the emotional weight, subtly underscoring themes of suffering and sacrifice central to the work. The formal arrangement here isn't just aesthetic; it creates a contemplative space. The engraving invites us to reflect on the narratives presented, mediated by the structure itself. The artist compels us to explore the relationships between form and content, reminding us that meaning is constructed through careful artistic choices.