H. Benoît in extase 1608 - 1688

This etching by Claude Mellan, titled "H. Benoît in extase", depicts the ecstatic figure of Saint Benedict, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. The artwork, created between 1608 and 1688, showcases Mellan's renowned mastery of the burin, a tool for engraving, producing detailed textures and intricate lines. Saint Benedict, clothed in a simple robe, kneels on a cloud, his gaze directed upwards towards a radiant sun, symbolizing divine enlightenment. The composition, a testament to Mellan's technical skill, creates a dramatic contrast between the intricately detailed figure and the swirling clouds, highlighting the profound moment of spiritual transcendence.