Tobias catching the Fish in the the River Tigris 1555

Maarten van Heemskerck rendered this delicate drawing called 'Tobias catching the Fish in the River Tigris' with pen and brown ink. The composition divides the pictorial plane horizontally, balancing the human drama with the landscape setting. The flowing river occupies the lower quadrant, leading the eye to the figures arranged diagonally across the plane. Heemskerck meticulously renders textures through varied line work, from the scaly dragon-fish to the soft curls of Tobias's hair. The narrative unfolds within a carefully constructed space, where the interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of depth. Heemskerck uses linear perspective to structure the composition, guiding the viewer's gaze through the different planes of action. The architecture appears as a semiotic marker, reinforcing cultural and religious values of the time. Heemskerck shows not just an event but also the prevailing values and beliefs of his historical context.