H. Adalbertus van Egmond 1607 - 1611

This engraving of H. Adalbertus van Egmond was created by Jacob Matham around the year 1600 and is held at the Rijksmuseum. Notice how the figure of Adalbertus dominates the composition, his patterned cloak and halo immediately drawing the eye. Matham employs detailed line work to define the textures and patterns of Adalbertus's garments, contrasting these intricate details with the smoother surfaces of his face and hands. This contrast creates a visual hierarchy, emphasizing the saint's spiritual authority through the symbolic weight of his attire. Consider how Matham uses semiotic visual components and cultural codes, referencing established meanings and values within the religious and historical context of the piece. The engraving challenges fixed meanings by presenting a localized saint, Adalbertus, within a universal framework of religious iconography. Ultimately, the complex engraving and interplay between form and content invite ongoing interpretation, demonstrating how the artwork engages with cultural and philosophical narratives beyond its immediate aesthetic qualities.