Mary of Burgundy and the sheriffs of Ghent before 1872

This monochromatic artwork presents Mary of Burgundy and the sheriffs of Ghent, its creator remaining anonymous. The composition arranges figures in a multi-tiered structure. Observe how the artist organizes space and form. Mary, at the visual apex, is framed by an oval backdrop. Below, the sheriffs are aligned, their faces turned upwards, creating a directional pull towards Mary. This upward gaze emphasizes Mary's elevated status, a formal technique to visually convey power and authority. The restricted palette focuses attention on form and the interplay of light and shadow. This stylistic choice strips away distractions of color, directing focus to the structural relationships within the composition. It invites us to consider the underlying architecture of power dynamics depicted. In effect, the artist uses formal elements to reinforce ideological narratives.