Heilige Nicolaas redt de stad Myra van de hongersnood 1600 - 1610

Otto van Veen’s drawing, 'Saint Nicholas saving the city of Myra from famine,' captures a moment of divine intervention through delicate lines and a muted palette. The sepia tones and soft hatching create a somber mood, evoking the desperation of the starving populace. The composition is structured around the figure of Saint Nicholas, whose presence brings a sense of order to the chaotic scene. Van Veen's use of line and shadow creates depth, drawing our eyes to the suffering figures at the base of the image. The upward thrust of the composition, culminating in the saint's outstretched hand, suggests a channel for divine grace. Note how Van Veen uses the formal elements of line and tone to not only depict a historical event, but also to communicate deeper meanings about faith, compassion, and the role of the divine in human affairs. The drawing's strength lies in its formal restraint, inviting contemplation on the complex interplay between human suffering and spiritual salvation.