H. Marcus met de leeuw 1600 - 1630

This is "H. Marcus met de leeuw" by Monogrammist VA, an engraving with a composition that balances depth and detail within a limited space. The textures in this print are meticulously rendered, from the soft drapery of Marcus's robes to the lion’s coarse mane, creating a tactile quality that invites close inspection. The image is structured around a vertical axis formed by the seated figure of Marcus, the architectural column, and the distant cityscape. This verticality is countered by the horizontal repose of the lion, creating a visual tension that animates the scene. The artist uses light and shadow to define the forms and create a sense of depth. The interplay of lines, from the fine hatching that models the figures to the bolder strokes defining the architecture, adds to the overall complexity and visual richness. The artist destabilizes the traditional representation of religious icons by emphasizing the physicality of Marcus and the lion, challenging fixed meanings. Ultimately, the fine lines and detailed textures in this engraving function aesthetically and as part of a larger cultural narrative, inviting interpretation.