Schilderingen in de refter van de Sint Michielsabdij te Antwerpen 1699

Hendrik Causé created this print of the Refectory of the Abbey of Saint Michael in Antwerp in the late 17th century. The engraving depicts a grand interior space, divided into four arched sections, each adorned with detailed scenes and figures. The use of monochrome emphasizes form and structure, highlighting the architectural elements and narrative tableaus. Each arched section presents a distinct visual experience, framed by ornate columns and vaulted ceilings. The composition guides the viewer's eye across the detailed scenes. Causé uses linear precision to convey depth, defining space through detailed perspective and hatching. The symmetry and balance give it a sense of classical order. This ordered structure, however, also serves as a stage for dynamic narratives. The contrast between architectural stability and the implied movement of figures suggests the artist's exploration of space and time. The engraving acts as a semiotic system, where architectural elements and figures combine to communicate complex cultural and religious narratives, inviting ongoing interpretation and reflection.