Boeren steken een rivier over 1603 - 1650

Here we see "Boeren steken een rivier over" translated as "Farmers crossing a river," an engraving by Matthäus Merian, made sometime in the 17th century. The image shows a group of figures navigating a river landscape. Notice how the composition is structured around the horizontal axis of the river, creating a mirror effect with the reflection of the trees and sky. The figures are rendered with meticulous lines. The details of their clothing and the textures of the foliage stand out, giving a tactile quality to the scene. The use of light and shadow is also notable. Merian uses shading to create depth, making the trees and figures stand out against the lighter sky. The river acts as a reflective surface, mirroring the activity above and below it. This artwork invites us to consider how the formal elements of line, tone, and composition come together to create a visually immersive experience.