Filippo Neri ziet Maria het dak van de Santa Maria in Vallicella dragen 1630 - 1641

This is an engraving by Luca Ciamberlano, made sometime in the first half of the 17th century. The composition is split vertically into two distinct spaces. On the right, we observe Filippo Neri kneeling, framed by the sharp orthogonal lines of a tiled floor and window. This space, defined by its structured lines, contrasts dramatically with the left side. Here, the Virgin Mary, supported by billowing clouds, intervenes in the architecture with a team of men who are using a ladder to support the roof. The lines are more dynamic and fluid, which creates a visual tension between the earthly and the divine. Ciamberlano uses line and form to explore themes of intervention and structural support, both literal and spiritual. The engraving's stark contrasts and precise lines emphasize the interplay between architectural stability and the ethereal realm of faith. This not only reflects the religious fervor of the time, but also engages with broader questions about the intersection of the physical and metaphysical worlds.