The Prophet Nahum, from Prophets and Sibyls 1480 - 1490

Francesco Rosselli created "The Prophet Nahum" as part of his "Prophets and Sibyls" series. The engraving presents a figure in a moment of reflection, framed by a banner proclaiming his prophetic role. The formal structure relies heavily on line, creating texture and depth through hatching and cross-hatching. Rosselli employs line to define the folds of the prophet's robes and the contours of his form, setting up a visual language that speaks to the materiality of the print. The composition is carefully balanced. The prophet sits centrally, with text below and the inscribed banner above, creating a semiotic frame that invites interpretation. The lines are not just descriptive, they function as carriers of meaning, pointing to the prophet's spiritual importance and the weight of his message. Ultimately, this engraving invites us to consider how an artist uses linear precision to convey depth, texture, and meaning. It encourages us to examine the relationship between form and content within a historical and cultural context.