Augustus: zwemmen en vissen (maagd) 1575 - 1613

This engraving, "Augustus: zwemmen en vissen (maagd)" was created by Antonio Tempesta around the turn of the 17th century. Its composition is defined by intricate line work that renders a scene of activity along a riverbank. The artist employs a stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through dense hatching, to model forms and create depth. The use of line becomes more than descriptive, functioning almost as a semiotic system. The undulating lines across the water's surface contrast with the more static lines defining the figures and landscape. The composition, divided horizontally, juxtaposes the earthly activities below with the ethereal representation of Augustus above, linking the earthly with the divine. Tempesta's manipulation of line and tone draws us into a world where every detail contributes to the overall narrative, highlighting the intricate connection between form and content that invites continued scrutiny.