Print c. 16th century

This print was made by Hans Burgkmair, in the early 16th century. The composition of this small artwork is structured around contrasting linear patterns. Notice how Burgkmair uses dense, parallel lines to define forms and textures, creating a rich visual field. The characters are clearly defined, in an intricate level of detail, and the sharp contrast between light and shadow gives it a striking, dramatic quality. Within this framework, the artist uses visual elements to question traditional values of its time. The artist destabilizes established meanings through the rendering of the figures and setting, creating an ambiguous narrative space, where the meaning is not immediately evident, opening it up to multiple interpretations. The strategic use of line and form allows us to understand how Burgkmair challenges fixed meanings, inviting viewers to actively engage with its complexities, rather than passively accepting a singular interpretation.