Ovaal met het element water c. 1615 - 1630

Hans Janssen created this print, "Ovaal met het element water," sometime between 1605 and 1631. The oval format, filled with intricate, symmetrical designs, initially presents a harmonious balance, yet closer inspection reveals a destabilizing complexity. Janssen uses densely packed lines to construct the illusion of depth and texture. Notice how he intertwines human figures, mythical creatures, and foliage. This confluence can be interpreted as a visual metaphor for the fluidity and formlessness of water itself. The symmetry, while initially grounding, is subverted by slight variations and asymmetries in the details. Janssen challenges our perception of order, suggesting that even within structured systems, there's an inherent potential for chaos and unpredictability. The detailed linework invites a continuous re-evaluation of what we see, reflecting the ever-changing nature of water and the elusive essence of representation itself.