Nobile da lutto 1598

This is Christoph Krieger’s print “Nobile da lutto”. Note the intricate linework that defines the figure, a noblewoman in mourning. Observe how the density of lines creates areas of shadow and form. The subject is framed within an elaborate border. This immediately directs our attention to the figure’s somber elegance, but also prompts us to think about the codes of representation prevalent during its time. The image is not merely a depiction but also a construction of identity. How does the artist manipulate line and form to convey the woman’s social status, emotion, and cultural context? Consider also, the semiotic system which is at play in this image. Mourning dress signified not only grief but also social standing. The artwork destabilizes established meanings, creating new ways of thinking about representation. It presents ongoing interpretation and reinterpretation.