Maria vergezeld door engel - Crispijn van de Passe (I)

A 1603 engraving by Crispijn van de Passe (I) depicting the Virgin Mary in prayer with an angel, featuring detailed musical notation.

This engraving by Crispijn van de Passe (I), dated 1603, depicts the Virgin Mary in a moment of quiet devotion, accompanied by an angel. The composition is characteristic of the Northern Mannerist style, which favoured precise line work and a high degree of technical control. Van de Passe, a prolific Dutch engraver and publisher, demonstrates his mastery of the burin through the varied textures of the fabric, the delicate shading of the figures, and the atmospheric rendering of the light emanating from the angel.

Central to the image is an open music book displaying the Magnificat. The inclusion of musical notation adds a layer of auditory symbolism to the visual scene, suggesting a liturgical context. The Virgin is shown kneeling, her hands clasped in prayer, while the angel stands behind her, holding a torch that casts a soft glow across the scene. The contrast between the dark, hatched background and the illuminated figures creates a sense of depth and focus.

Van de Passe was known for his ability to translate complex theological themes into accessible printed works. His work often circulated throughout Europe, influencing contemporary printmakers and artists. This particular engraving reflects the technical rigour of the period, with every line serving to define form and volume. The Latin inscription at the base provides a thematic anchor, linking the visual representation to the broader tradition of religious devotion. As a fine art print, this piece offers a glimpse into the early seventeenth-century Dutch approach to printmaking, where technical precision met devotional subject matter. The clarity of the engraving ensures that the details, from the folds of the garments to the individual notes on the page, remain sharp and legible, making it a fine example of the craftsmanship associated with the Van de Passe family workshop.