Christus en de tien melaatsen c. 1685 - 1700

Richard van Orley created this print, "Christus en de tien melaatsen," using engraving techniques to depict a scene filled with architectural grandeur and human emotion. Notice how the composition is structured by the imposing architecture that frames the figures. The arches and columns create a rhythmic pattern, leading the eye to the central interaction between Christ and the lepers. Orley employs line and shadow to define form, giving the scene a sense of depth and space. The figures themselves are arranged in dynamic poses, conveying a sense of desperation and hope. The contrast between the rigid lines of the architecture and the fluid lines of the figures adds tension to the scene, inviting us to reflect on the power of divine intervention within the confines of human architecture. Ultimately, the artwork reflects a fascination with the interplay between the earthly and the divine, captured through the precise and deliberate use of engraved lines. This print invites ongoing interpretation as we consider the structured forms and their impact on our perception.