Kerkvader Augustinus van Hippo verschijnt voor de heilige Maria Magdalena van Pazzi 1665 - 1698

Jacques Blondeau created this engraving of 'Kerkvader Augustinus van Hippo verschijnt voor de heilige Maria Magdalena van Pazzi'. The stark contrast of light and shadow immediately strikes us, creating a visually arresting composition. Blondeau uses the visual language of Baroque art, focusing on asymmetry and dynamic movement. Notice how the figures are arranged not in a balanced, symmetrical way but in a diagonal sweep from the upper left to the lower right. The cloud of cherubs and the figure of Saint Augustine form a kind of diagonal, echoed by the gaze and outstretched arm of Mary Magdalene. This creates a sense of movement and drama, pulling the viewer's eye across the scene. This use of diagonal composition destabilizes the traditional static religious imagery. The way Blondeau plays with light and shadow isn't just decorative, it's structural. It emphasizes the spiritual drama. The artist engages with the interplay between earthly and divine realms, making us reflect on how such visual structures shape our perceptions of the world.