Graflegging 1639

Pierre Daret created this print, "Graflegging," using etching. Notice how the composition is structured around the stark contrast between light and shadow, drawing our eyes immediately to the pale, lifeless body of Christ. The artist employs a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, heightening the emotional intensity of the scene. Linear patterns etched into the metal plate create gradations of tone, shaping forms and textures within the image. Observe how the arrangement of figures, with the supporting mourners clustered around the central body, directs our gaze and emphasizes the grief and solemnity of the moment. Daret's print engages with themes of mortality and religious devotion while exploring the expressive potential of line and tone. This intersection shows the relationship between religious narratives and artistic innovation during his time.