Belisarius en de jongen 1717

This is an etching called Belisarius and the Boy made by Johann Andreas Benjamin Nothnagel. The composition of the etching is dominated by two figures in the foreground, an old man and a young boy who stand on a small rise, set against a wide landscape. The texture of the land, sky and clothing has been created through a dense network of fine, crisscrossing lines, establishing both depth and tonal variation across the scene. The open sky, populated with small birds, occupies about half of the image, adding a sense of freedom and openness that contrasts with the restricted existence of the main figure. The lines defining the characters are not just descriptive but also emotionally evocative, as we observe the relationship between the fallen general and his young companion. This creates a visual and emotional structure based on balance and tension. The artist uses etching to explore themes of fate, companionship, and the human condition.