Maaltijd te Emmaüs 1671

This is Bernard Vaillant’s “Maaltijd te Emmaüs,” a print characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow to model form. Vaillant employs tonal gradations to capture the moment of recognition, illuminating the central figure of Christ while casting the surrounding figures in a more subdued light. This contrast draws our eyes to the very moment of recognition of the divine. The faces are sculpted with a chiaroscuro effect, enhancing their emotional depth. The composition, tightly cropped, invites us into an intimate space. The lines of sight converge on Christ, emphasizing his centrality, while the texture of the etched lines adds depth to the characters' expressions. Vaillant skillfully uses the semiotic language of light to highlight the spiritual revelation taking place, inviting reflection on the themes of recognition, and the divine made visible. Through its formal qualities, this print transcends mere illustration, becoming a powerful meditation on the nature of belief and perception.