H. Bavo met een valk op zijn hand 1638 - 1708

This engraving of H. Bavo with a falcon, made by an anonymous artist, presents a commanding figure rendered through meticulous lines and tonal contrasts. The composition centres on Saint Bavo, adorned in armor and royal attire, holding a falcon, with a radiant halo emphasizing his sanctity. The formal structure orchestrates a play between verticality and intricate detail. The saint’s upright posture and the elongated sword create a vertical thrust, balanced by the detailed textures of fur, feathers, and metal. This juxtaposition invites a semiotic reading: the falcon, a symbol of nobility and the hunt, contrasts with the saint’s spiritual role, creating a tension between earthly power and divine calling. The use of hatching and cross-hatching not only defines form but also conveys a sense of depth and materiality. Ultimately, the print functions as a carefully constructed image designed to convey specific cultural and religious meanings. The strategic arrangement of visual elements underscores how the artwork's structure serves to communicate complex ideas about sainthood, power, and the interplay between the material and the spiritual realms.