Naakten voortgejaagd door Amor c. 1589 - 1595

Justus Sadeler created this engraving, "Naakten voortgejaagd door Amor," its date currently undetermined, that now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The composition is striking: a dramatic chase unfolds with nude figures fleeing through a dense forest landscape. Light and shadow play intensely across the scene, creating depth and emphasizing the figures' dynamic movement. The figures, rendered with detailed musculature, are caught in moments of distress, heightening the emotional impact. Sadeler employs strong diagonal lines to guide the viewer's eye, from Amor in his chariot to the fleeing figures. This dynamic arrangement underscores the narrative's tension and the disruption of natural order. The contrast between the idealised bodies and the chaotic forest setting challenges classical notions of beauty and harmony. The engraving, therefore, is not simply a depiction of a mythological scene, but also an exploration of the interplay between form and content, revealing how artistic choices can destabilize established meanings.