De bruiloft te Kana 1583 - 1638

This etching, "The Wedding at Cana," was crafted by Odoardo Fialetti. Note how the composition invites us into the biblical scene, focusing on the miracle where Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding feast. Fialetti uses the architectural structure of the dining hall—its colonnades, beams and arches—to create a stage-like setting, guiding our eyes through the bustling space. The artist arranges the figures into dynamic clusters. Observe the servants in the foreground, their bodies contorted as they handle the large vessels, contrasting with the more orderly seated guests. This deliberate juxtaposition creates a play between chaos and order. Fialetti uses the contrast of light and shadow to draw attention to particular areas, adding depth and drama to the narrative. Consider how this engraving translates a moment of divine intervention into a study of human activity and social dynamics.