Sint Agnes c. 1680

This is Nicolaas van der Veken's "Saint Agnes", a sculpture in wood. The figure commands a vertical presence, with drapery defining the composition and creating a rhythm of folds and curves. The smooth, polished surface invites touch, while the light reflects and casts shadows, adding depth and volume. We observe how the artist's choice of medium emphasizes texture and the interplay of light. This manipulation of material and form conveys the essence of Saint Agnes. The sculpture speaks to the period's values and artistic conventions, blending religious themes with formal elegance. The folds of fabric around her reference a semiotic system of signs with cultural codes. The artist's choice of wood as a medium adds to the sculpture's presence. It serves as a reminder that art evolves through interpretation and cultural discourse.