Tekenen die wijzen op ondergang van de wereld 1547 - 1591

Gerard de Jode created this print, "Signs Indicating the Downfall of the World," sometime before his death in 1591. Its intricate composition immediately draws the eye, presenting a series of oval vignettes framed by elaborate ornamentation. The use of fine lines and contrasting shades creates a sense of depth and drama, evoking a mood of impending doom. Each vignette functions as a signifier within a larger symbolic structure, pointing to the biblical prophecies of the world's end. De Jode employs a semiotic system, using visual elements to represent complex theological concepts. The scenes, though distinct, are united by their shared theme of destruction and divine judgment. This challenges fixed meanings, inviting viewers to contemplate the fragility of existence and the consequences of human actions. Notice how the ornamental framework both separates and connects the scenes, creating a visual tension that mirrors the thematic conflict between order and chaos. This tension, inherent in the print's structure, compels ongoing interpretation and re-evaluation.