Tobias gooit de ingewanden van de vis in het vuur 1556

This is an engraving titled 'Tobias gooit de ingewanden van de vis in het vuur' by an anonymous artist. Notice how the composition is structured into distinct zones. In the foreground, Tobias is depicted actively throwing the fish guts into the fire, creating a dynamic, diagonal line that draws the eye upward. The background offers a tableau of figures arranged in a more static, horizontal manner, creating a contrast between action and stillness. The use of line is meticulous, defining forms and textures with precision; the engraver’s skill is evident in the rendering of fabrics, figures, and architectural details. The scene is filled with symbolic actions. The act of burning the fish entrails—a key event in the story—becomes the focal point through the artist's strategic composition. The figures’ gestures and the detailed setting contribute to an overall sense of narrative coherence, guiding the viewer through the layers of the story. It's a fascinating example of how visual elements can be structured to convey complex narratives.