The Virgin Surrounded by Angels and Representatives of Secular and Ecclesiastical Authorities 1585 - 1634

Pieter de Jode I created this drawing, "The Virgin Surrounded by Angels and Representatives of Secular and Ecclesiastical Authorities," using pen and brown ink with brown wash. The composition is divided into three distinct tiers. The Virgin Mary dominates the upper tier, positioned above a gathering of figures that represent earthly authority. Angels populate the lower tier, their forms rendered with delicate lines and a lighter wash, creating an ethereal quality. De Jode’s handling of space is particularly intriguing. The Virgin is disproportionately large, a visual strategy used to emphasize her spiritual significance, yet the drawing’s formal arrangement and scale creates a harmonious relationship between the divine and mortal realms. The semiotic system at play is clear: the Virgin acts as a mediator, positioned between the sacred and secular. The subtle variations in tone and texture create depth, drawing us into a spiritual and intellectual discourse. The artwork remains a testament to the enduring power of art as a site of interpretation.