Maria Magdalena zalft de voeten van Christus 1620 - 1678

Dominique Barrière created this print of Maria Magdalena anointing Christ’s feet, in the 17th century. The composition is dominated by strong vertical lines of architectural features framing the scene, contrasting with the diagonal positioning of figures reclining at tables. This creates a stage-like space. Barrière uses the architecture to divide the space with the landscape almost like another scene that plays with spatial depth. The contrast between the structured architectural elements and the organic landscape introduces a tension between order and nature. The scene itself, full of gestures and interactions, is rendered in meticulous detail, typical of Baroque art. This detail invites us to consider how the artwork operates as a system of signs, where gestures and settings contribute to a broader narrative. The architecture isn't just a backdrop but plays an active role in structuring how we perceive the narrative. This print destabilizes the conventional boundaries between the sacred and the mundane.