Orpheus in de onderwereld c. 1636 - 1670

This engraving, "Orpheus in the Underworld," was created by Magdalena van de Passe in the early 17th century. The composition is dominated by a chiaroscuro effect, sharply contrasting light and dark areas. The rocky underworld is rendered with fine, dense lines that create a textured, almost claustrophobic space, evoking a sense of depth and mystery. The artist masterfully balances opposing realms: the solidity of Hades' throne against the vaporous, almost dissolving forms of the damned, and the rigid structure of Orpheus's harp against the fluid forms of the mythological creatures. The linear quality, typical of engravings, allows for detailed rendering, but also serves to flatten the image, pulling the viewer's eye across the surface rather than deeply into the scene. Van de Passe's choices reflect the era's fascination with classical mythology, yet she destabilizes traditional representation by emphasizing the material qualities of the engraving itself. This focus invites us to consider how the medium shapes the story being told.