Kruis en vier ornamenten 1612

This small, square ornament print, made by an anonymous artist, presents a symmetrical array of shapes dominated by a central cross. The stark contrast of black ink against the pale ground immediately draws the eye. The cross, bold yet intricately ornamented with curling motifs, anchors the composition. Above it sit two inverted triangular shapes and below, two crescent forms, each mirroring the other and echoing the cross's decorative complexity. These shapes create a balanced yet curious visual rhythm. The print operates within a semiotic framework where the cross, a potent symbol, is both affirmed and destabilized. Its form is traditional, yet the dense ornamentation infuses it with a decorative, almost abstract quality, shifting its symbolic weight. The surrounding shapes, while less iconic, contribute to this play, creating a visual field that invites contemplation on form and symbol. Ultimately, this work is not merely a religious emblem but an exploration of how design and structure can reshape and reframe even the most established cultural meanings.