Fabel van keizer Tiberius en zijn dienaar 1769

Simon Fokke created this diminutive engraving, "Fabel van keizer Tiberius en zijn dienaar," sometime in the 18th century. The visual field is dominated by the stark contrast of line work against the white paper. The figures, building, and foliage are built up through dense networks of cross-hatching. This gives the image depth and a sense of texture despite its small size. The composition divides neatly into zones: the servant’s space on the left, Tiberius’s imperial space on the right, and nature in the background. This division could indicate a deeper structural commentary on power dynamics and social hierarchy. The diminutive scale challenges the grand narratives often associated with imperial themes. Ultimately, it’s the intricate network of lines that really engages us. These lines not only define forms but also create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Fokke invites us to reflect on the subtle intricacies of human relationships within the larger framework of social order and narrative tradition.