St. Francis of Assisi Adoring the Christ Child on the Virgin's Lap 1600 - 1688

Editor: Here we have "St. Francis of Assisi Adoring the Christ Child on the Virgin's Lap," a print by Claude Mellan, created sometime between 1600 and 1688. I'm struck by the contrast; St. Francis rendered with very fine, delicate lines, compared to the radiating lines from the upper right. What do you see in this work? Curator: The composition certainly hinges upon those contrasts. Consider the relationship between the linear, almost architectural quality of the sky and the softer, more curvilinear forms of the figures. It creates a dynamic tension that holds the eye. Editor: Yes, the background is certainly striking with the line work. Does the rigidity imply order and structure, where Mary, Jesus, Francis, and even the angels, appear to be in a separate more natural realm? Curator: Precisely! The medium, being printmaking allows Mellan to repeat linear structures within the clouds, juxtaposing that with the texture of the garments, all from a relatively restricted value range. Can you identify a focal point, and explain how line weight affects it? Editor: Well, it looks like Mellan created depth through his use of line weight in the clouds and landscape behind Saint Francis, so naturally I look towards the foregrounded Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus as they possess bolder, heavier lines which command a sense of scale. Curator: Excellent observation. Note the interplay between those two different treatments: line defining volume and creating texture in opposition to a perspectival device of aerial and linear form. How might we then describe its art historical placement in relation to Renaissance ideals? Editor: I can see it now, focusing on line to express volume instead of strong value, like the Renaissance masters I know! Curator: It challenges traditional representations while still honoring the core themes, very interesting way to display subject and space. Editor: It is quite something when you look at it from that perspective. Thanks!