Dansend stel, lopend naar links c. 1537 - 1555

Cornelis Bos created this diminutive engraving, "Dancing Couple, Walking to the Left," in approximately 1545. The composition is structured around the interplay of linear forms, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow. The figures, rendered with fine, deliberate lines, stand out against the etched background. Note how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to model the garments and flesh, creating a tactile sense of volume within the limited space. This tiny print reflects the broader artistic concerns of the Northern Renaissance, where there was a profound interest in both the natural world and the intricacies of human form. Bos's emphasis on line and form, while seemingly representational, also hints at a deeper engagement with the structural elements of image-making itself. The work invites us to consider how these formal choices contribute to our understanding and appreciation of the depicted scene.