De koning drinkt (Driekoningen) 1613 - 1657

Paulus Pontius created this print, "The King Drinks," sometime in the 17th century. Notice the composition: a crowded, chaotic scene of revelry unfolds, masterfully rendered through detailed engraving. The print’s strength lies in its use of line and texture to depict a range of expressions and human forms. Light and shadow play across the scene, highlighting the textures of clothing, skin, and various objects, intensifying the immersive quality of the composition. The central figure is the “king,” a man crowned amidst the chaos. This challenges notions of order and authority, suggesting that even in moments of celebration, hierarchies are destabilized. Pontius engages with semiotic codes of his time, where excessive drinking and celebration could signify both joy and a critique of social norms. The print doesn't just depict a scene, it actively questions societal values through its form and composition. Consider how Pontius uses form to mirror the intellectual currents questioning established norms. It’s an invitation to consider how art visually manifests ideological discourse.