Jeremia 1613

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving of Jeremia, rendered in monochrome with a focus on texture and line. The composition draws us immediately to Jeremia’s upward gaze and clasped hands, encapsulating a moment of intense supplication. Galle's strategic use of line creates a rich visual texture, from the dense strokes forming the beard to the smoother areas defining the face and hands. This contrast serves to highlight the emotional gravity of the figure, emphasizing the tactile quality of his despair and hope. The oval frame and Latin inscription encapsulate the figure within a classical structure, yet the raw emotionality transcends formal constraints. The upward gaze breaks the horizontal plane, challenging the earthbound perspective. Through the stark visual dichotomy, Galle invites us to reflect on the human condition. The artist destabilizes a fixed understanding of religious devotion, offering instead a deeply human portrayal that resonates across time.