Aäron zittend bij de Ark des Verbonds after 1610

This drawing of Aaron sitting by the Ark of the Covenant was made by an anonymous artist and is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The sepia tones and hatched lines give the drawing a rich, textured quality. The composition uses vertical lines in the ark to sharply contrast with the rounded figure of Aaron. His robes create voluminous forms, giving him a striking presence in the picture. The artist creates visual interest through the contrast of light and shadow. The Ark of the Covenant, typically a symbol of divine presence, here stands as a formal backdrop. Through this relationship, the drawing destabilizes established meanings. It invites us to consider how symbols function within visual culture. The drawing doesn't offer a singular reading, but allows for ongoing interpretation.