Maaltijd in Emmaüs 1645 - 1706

This print, *Maaltijd in Emmaüs* at the Rijksmuseum, presents us with a meticulously engraved scene of the supper at Emmaus. The composition, dominated by horizontal lines of the table and architecture, creates a sense of stability and balance. The subtle use of light and shadow, achieved through dense cross-hatching, models the figures in a naturalistic way. This illuminates the central figure of Christ and draws our eye to the moment of recognition by his disciples. It's also a play between the visible and invisible, what is revealed versus what remains obscured. This dynamic is not just about aesthetics; it suggests a deeper probing into human perception and the ways in which knowledge is constructed. The doorway behind, depicting a landscape with a group of people, offers a window into another world. This juxtaposition hints at broader artistic and philosophical concerns, challenging fixed meanings and engaging with new ways of thinking about space and representation.