Credo in unum Deum 1895

Antoon Derkinderen created this artwork, "Credo in unum Deum," using pen and brush in brown ink and watercolour. The phrase, meaning "I believe in one God", is carefully laid out in a horizontal band. Each letter is stylized, framed within individual squares that create a repetitive rhythm across the artwork. The decorative elements, such as the floral motifs within the letters, suggest a blending of the sacred with the aesthetic. This design choice destabilizes a clear distinction between religious text and artistic expression. Look at the interplay between line and color, with the subtle tonal variations giving depth to what could have been a flat design. The composition isn't just about conveying a religious message; it's about how the message is constructed, presented, and, ultimately, interpreted. The artwork's semiotic structure uses culturally recognized symbols and visual language to invite ongoing dialogue.