Gezicht op de kapel van de Bourgondiërs 1650

Israel Silvestre created this etching of the Chapel of the Burgundians in the 17th century. The composition draws us in with its structured balance: the chapel sits centrally, flanked by landscapes that mirror each other in tone and depth. The building's geometric stability is key. Silvestre uses the lines of its architecture—the solid roofline, the rectangular windows—to create a sense of order. This is counterpointed by the natural forms surrounding it. Notice how the trees on the right, with their wild, branching lines, contrast with the chapel's controlled shape. Figures populate the scene, positioned to guide the eye through the space, animating the landscape. Silvestre's choice of etching brings a unique texture to the scene. The fine lines create subtle gradations of light and shadow. The emphasis on structure invites us to consider how the chapel functions, not just as a building but as a signifier of power and historical narrative.