Leda en de zwaan met haar vier kinderen 1505 - 1515

This engraving shows Leda and the Swan with her four children by Meester IB met de vogel. The composition is dominated by dynamic lines that crisscross the scene, creating a sense of tension and movement. Note how the artist contrasts the smooth curves of Leda’s body with the sharp angles of the swan’s feathers. This interplay of forms lends the piece a complex visual rhythm. The figures are tightly packed, and the hatching marks create areas of shadow. The scene seems to spill out from the center, challenging our eye to navigate through the visual maze. The imagery is richly symbolic, challenging traditional interpretations of the myth and engaging with broader themes of eroticism. Consider how the artist uses form not just to depict a mythological scene but to question its established meanings. As viewers, we are invited to participate in an active interpretation of the artwork, recognizing the complex and ever-evolving nature of meaning-making in art.