De dood van de heilige Philippus 1591

Here in the Rijksmuseum is Antonio Tempesta's small yet powerful etching, "The Death of Saint Philip," made around the turn of the 17th century. The scene is tightly framed, focusing on the saint's recumbent body, surrounded by mourners. Tempesta's use of line is particularly striking. He employs dense, cross-hatching to create deep shadows, especially in the folds of the mourners' robes, adding volume and drama. This contrasts with the smoother, more delicate lines used to depict Saint Philip's face, emphasizing his peaceful expression. The composition is structured to draw our eye towards the saint, who is centered and bathed in a soft light emanating from the candles. The grief-stricken figures around him form a semi-circle, their downward gazes directing our attention to the main subject. This arrangement creates a sense of enclosed, intimate contemplation. The formal elements, such as the light, depth, and composition invite us to meditate on ideas of mortality, sanctity, and the transition from life to death.