Geboorte van Meleager c. 1714 - 1720

Jacob Folkema created this print, "The Birth of Meleager," sometime in the 18th century. At first glance, the image presents a classical scene composed with careful balance. The left side shows a birthing bed with figures attending the mother, balanced by a woman tending a fire on the right. But look closer at how Folkema plays with perspective and depth. The composition divides the scene into distinct planes—the foreground with the fire, the middle ground with the bed, and a receding architectural backdrop. This layering adds a sense of theatricality to the scene, as if we're viewing a stage set. Furthermore, consider the use of light and shadow created with the engraving technique. The stark contrast not only defines forms but also suggests a moral dimension, highlighting the drama and significance of Meleager's birth. The artwork invites us to contemplate themes of destiny and the intersection of human and divine realms. The way Folkema structures this image serves not only to depict a story but also to prompt deeper reflection.