H. Veronica met het sudarium before 1620

This engraving of H. Veronica met het sudarium was created around 1600 by Wierix and is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The composition is structured vertically into three distinct registers. At the apex, God presides within billowing clouds, below sits Veronica flanked by angels, and at the base, a Latin inscription. Consider how Wierix uses line to define form and space, creating intricate patterns that draw the eye across the artwork. The figure of Veronica is central, her pose symmetrical and stable, which contrasts with the ethereal quality of God above. This division between the earthly and divine is a common motif in religious art of this period, reflecting broader theological structures. The materiality of the engraving itself—the fine lines etched into metal—enhances the image's symbolic meaning. Each line, each stroke, contributes to the overall narrative, reinforcing a sense of spiritual depth. Ultimately, this artwork invites us to consider the interplay between form and content, challenging us to decode its complex visual language.