Kroning van Maria 1576

This engraving, "Coronation of Mary," was made by Johann Sadeler I in Antwerp. The composition is built around symmetry and the structure of symbolic forms. At its center, the Virgin Mary kneels, framed by God the Father and Christ, who together place a crown upon her head. Above, the Holy Spirit descends as a dove. This central scene is bordered by ornate frameworks containing figures and inscriptions that add layers to the narrative. Sadeler uses line and form to create a hierarchical structure where the divine figures are monumental and idealized, while Mary embodies humility and grace. The texture of the engraving, achieved through meticulous lines, adds depth and complexity, inviting close inspection. The work isn't merely a religious depiction; it’s a carefully constructed argument about power, divinity, and the role of the Virgin Mary within the cosmos. It uses the visual language of its time to reinforce established religious and social values, inviting viewers to contemplate the divine order.