Annunciatie 1601 - 1605

Jacob Matham created this engraving, Annunciation, in the early 17th century, and it now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The monochromatic composition presents a meticulously detailed scene, divided into earthly and divine realms, using line and form to guide the viewer's eye. The lower portion depicts Mary kneeling, while above, God and an angel hover on clouds. This division creates a visual hierarchy that mirrors the theological narrative. The use of hatching and cross-hatching gives texture to the clouds and depth to the figures, emphasizing their three-dimensionality within a two-dimensional medium. Matham uses formal elements to convey symbolic meaning. The vertical orientation of the image directs our gaze upwards, towards the divine, while the contrast between light and shadow highlights key figures and moments. The engraving technique itself, with its reliance on line and pattern, reflects a broader cultural interest in precision and order, characteristic of the period's artistic and intellectual climate. Thus, the formal qualities of the artwork contribute to its narrative and symbolic depth, inviting ongoing interpretation.