Genezing van de man bij het bad te Betesda 1638 - 1643

This is Claude Vignon's etching of 'Healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda,' created sometime between 1620 and 1670. The scene is constructed with a balance of light and shadow, creating a dramatic and spiritual atmosphere. The figures are arranged to draw our eye to the central interaction between Christ and the ailing man. Vignon employs a structural approach to his composition, where the placement of figures and the architectural backdrop are not merely illustrative but are fundamental to the narrative's structure. The etches function as signs, with the cross-hatching and line weights creating texture that highlights the emotional and physical states of the figures. The formal structure enhances the symbolic weight of Christ’s act of healing. Note how the artist uses formal elements like the stark contrast and linear detail to engage viewers in a theological and aesthetic dialogue. It's a structure that invites contemplation.