Saint Mark before 1585

Editor: This is "Saint Mark" by Hans Collaert the Elder. It's an engraving housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small but intricate! I'm struck by how the composition is arranged within these circular and rectangular frames. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Note the plate's dimensions: the inner rectangle centers St. Mark, while the encompassing circle with floral motifs creates a dynamic interplay. The artist utilizes color tonally to enhance the depth and symbolic resonance of the image. Editor: So, it’s the visual structure itself that carries meaning here? Curator: Precisely. The structural arrangement, symmetry, and color usage dictate our understanding, independent of any specific narrative beyond what is immediately apparent. What do you observe regarding the relationship between line and form? Editor: I see how the lines define the figures and the space around them, creating a sense of depth and volume, especially within the central panel. Thanks, I now appreciate how the artist used the dimensions of the plate to impact the viewer.