Jodocus van Schoonhoven 1607 - 1611

Jacob Matham created this engraving of Jodocus van Schoonhoven. Lines define the visual experience, carving out forms from the flat plane and shaping the narrative. The contrasting tones divide the composition, creating a dialogue between light and shadow. The engraving presents a play of structures—the saint in the foreground, holding a chalice, stands in contrast to the execution in the background. This contrast destabilizes established meanings, inviting a deeper reflection on faith, power, and martyrdom. Matham uses the semiotic system of signs to communicate ideas of resistance and piety, challenging the viewer to question fixed meanings and engage with the philosophical underpinnings of the depicted scene. Through precise lines and contrasting tones, this engraving functions not just aesthetically but also as part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse. It stands as a site of ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.