Geboorte van Christus en Johannes de Doper Possibly 1582 - 1717

Pieter van der Borcht created this print titled "Birth of Christ and John the Baptist," sometime in the late 16th century. The composition is structured as a series of distinct scenes arranged horizontally, drawing us into a narrative that unfolds across architectural spaces. Van der Borcht destabilizes traditional pictorial space. He juxtaposes interiors and exteriors, arranging them in a sequence that feels both continuous and fragmented. The use of line is particularly striking, with dense, intricate hatchings that define forms and create a sense of depth. The architectural elements, rendered with meticulous detail, serve as both a backdrop and a structural framework for the unfolding events. We are drawn into a world where the boundaries between the sacred and the everyday blur, challenging fixed notions of space and representation. Note how the artist uses the formal structure of the print to create a dynamic interplay between narrative and space, inviting us to reflect on the deeper meanings embedded within the artwork.