Achtste plaag 1530 - 1533

This woodcut, "Achtste plaag," or "Eighth Plague," by an anonymous artist, presents a visually striking depiction of biblical calamity. The stark contrast between the black lines and the white paper immediately captures the eye. The composition is divided, with two figures on the left gesturing towards a scene dominated by swarms of locusts. The lines create a sense of depth and movement, drawing us into the chaos. Notice how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create volume and shadow, adding dimension to the figures and the landscape. The descending lines representing the swarm converge, destabilizing traditional perspective. This directs our attention to the plague as a force which disrupts the natural order. This challenges fixed meanings around divine intervention, suggesting a more chaotic, less anthropocentric view. We can appreciate how the artist's manipulation of line and form serves not only aesthetic purposes but also amplifies the narrative's themes of devastation and divine power.