Maart c. 1560 - 1595

Julius Goltzius created this print called ‘Maart’—or March—sometime before his death in 1595. With its intricate lines, the engraving presents an expansive landscape, where human activity is dwarfed by monumental rock formations and an imposing sky. The composition invites us to consider the interplay between foreground and background, with figures placed deliberately to guide our gaze. Note how the artist uses scale; figures in the foreground are much larger, drawing us into their immediate world, while the distant landscape recedes, creating depth. This contrast emphasizes a philosophical theme: humanity's place within the natural order. Goltzius destabilizes any sense of fixed perspective, prompting viewers to question established hierarchies. Is mankind separate from nature, or an intrinsic part of it? The interplay of light and shadow, rendered through meticulous engraving, further enhances this contemplation. The print functions not just as a picturesque scene, but as a philosophical exploration of existence. It suggests that the boundaries between self and world, subject and object, are constantly blurred.