Tobias schrikt van de vis 1620 - 1697

This is an etching titled "Tobias schrikt van de vis" or "Tobias is frightened by the fish," created by an anonymous artist. The composition arranges the figures of Tobias and the angel in the foreground with a landscape that recedes into the distance. The textures of the foliage, the angel’s wings, and the water are delicately rendered through varied line work, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Tobias recoils from the fish, his pose creating a diagonal line that intersects with the vertical presence of the angel. This structured arrangement is not just representational, it guides our reading of the image. The artist uses form to create an emotional and narrative tension. The angel functions as a mediating figure, connecting the human and divine realms. The landscape, with its receding perspective, invites us to contemplate themes of journey and the unknown. The fish becomes a signifier, destabilizing the natural order and hinting at deeper spiritual meanings. The meticulous rendering and formal arrangement suggest that this image operates within a complex framework of visual and symbolic codes. It prompts us to consider how art functions as a site of both aesthetic experience and intellectual engagement.