The Nativity 1470 - 1480

This engraving of the Nativity presents a world meticulously constructed with lines. The composition is divided into distinct registers, each framed by architectural elements, creating a sense of layered space. The sharp lines and contrasting shades of light and dark define every figure and object, from the delicate folds of Mary's robe to the rigid geometry of the architectural framework. This organized structure directs our eyes through scenes of the newborn Christ, praying Virgin, and figures of the celestial realm. The architectural frame organizes and contains the divine narrative. The use of line in the engraving flattens the image, drawing attention to the two-dimensional surface rather than creating an illusion of depth, emphasizing the symbolic over the naturalistic. It’s a study in contrasts, a meditation on the interplay between form and content, and an invitation to consider how each line contributes to the construction of meaning.