Catharina verschijnt / huwelijk van Catharina / Catharina deelt haar mantel 1597

This etching by Pieter de Jode I, made around the late 16th or early 17th century, visualizes a scene with Saint Catherine. Notice how the composition is split between celestial and earthly realms. The swirling clouds and ethereal figures create a sense of dynamic movement, contrasted by the more structured architectural elements on the lower right and left. De Jode uses line and texture to create depth and contrast. Here we see the semiotic interplay between religious iconography and the socio-cultural values of the time. By combining the divine with the mundane, De Jode suggests a synthesis of faith and everyday life. The detailed rendering of clothing and the expressions on the figures' faces invite viewers to engage with the narrative on both a spiritual and human level. Consider how the artist uses the formal elements of line and composition not only to depict a religious scene, but also to encourage a deeper reflection on faith.