Maria in de wolken 1613

Raffaello Schiaminossi created this engraving, "Maria in de wolken," around the turn of the 17th century. The work presents the Virgin Mary amidst clouds, framed within a circle. The composition is structured around the figure of Mary, who dominates the center with open arms. Her robes create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, achieved through Schiaminossi's precise linework. Note how the artist uses densely packed lines to suggest darker areas, giving depth and volume to the figure. The surrounding clouds and cherubic figures are rendered with a lighter touch, creating a sense of ethereal space. The circular frame imposes a boundary, yet the upward gaze of Mary and the implied ascent suggest transcendence. Schiaminossi's mastery lies in how he uses line not just to depict, but to evoke a spiritual narrative. This piece is a study in the visual language of devotion, where form and faith intertwine.