Engeltje met lint 1630 - 1652

This is Pieter van Avont's "Engeltje met lint," an etching made some time in the first half of the 17th century. At first glance, one’s eyes are drawn to the cherubic figure dominating the composition; his soft curves and dimpled limbs contrast with the sharp, linear patterns etched into the background and foreground. Van Avont uses line to define form, creating depth through hatching and cross-hatching, thus building volume and shadow. Consider how the cherub’s form and the drapery above work in concert. The cherub, seemingly caught in a moment of playful suspension with a ribbon above, creates a visual rhythm that destabilizes any fixed narrative. It's as if Van Avont is questioning the very notion of established symbolism. The linear patterns in the background flatten the space and create a dynamic tension between foreground and background. This tension is not just aesthetic but also philosophical, suggesting a world where traditional meanings are constantly in flux. Ultimately, this etching serves not just as a depiction, but as an invitation to engage with the fluid nature of meaning itself.