Holy Family c. 16th century

Editor: This is Cornelis Cort's "Holy Family." It's an engraving, so it must have taken real precision. The figures are all so close together, creating a very intimate feeling. What do you see in the composition? Curator: Indeed. Cort's mastery lies in his manipulation of line. Observe how the density and direction of the lines sculpt form and create depth. Consider the contrast between the tightly rendered foreground figures and the more sparsely defined landscape, and how this directs the viewer's gaze. Editor: So it's the technique, rather than the religious subject, that makes it compelling? Curator: The subject is important, but the technical mastery elevates it beyond mere illustration. The varying textures achieved through line are quite remarkable, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do. I'm starting to see how much the lines themselves convey. Curator: Precisely. It’s in the formal elements where the true artistry resides.