Schieten op vaders lijk

About this artwork

hoogte 282 mm x breedte 400 mm

Art Historical Context

This pen drawing by Cornelis Floris II captures a striking and enigmatic scene titled *Schieten op vaders lijk* (Shooting on Father's Corpse). Created during the artist's lifetime between 1524 and 1575, the work measures 282 mm in height by 400 mm in width. As a Flemish Renaissance draftsman and designer based in Antwerp, Floris often explored dramatic themes through precise line work, and this piece exemplifies his skill in using pen to convey tension and narrative depth on a modest scale. The medium of pen on paper allowed artists like Floris to produce fluid, expressive studies that could serve as designs for prints, sculptures, or architectural elements. Here, the composition invites viewers to ponder its intense subject matter, reflecting the period's interest in moral allegories, historical events, or theatrical moments from literature and folklore. Such drawings were valued not only for their technical finesse but also for their ability to spark conversation in private collections or workshops. Though details about its original purpose remain sparse, the artwork offers a window into 16th-century Northern European artistic practices, where personal expression met broader cultural storytelling. Its compact dimensions suggest an intimate viewing experience, encouraging close examination of Floris's intricate linework and compositional choices.