St. Bernard Kneeling Before a Crucifix 1650 - 1660

Claude Mellan's etching, *St. Bernard Kneeling Before a Crucifix*, depicts the Saint kneeling in prayer before a crucifix with his arms raised. The detailed and realistic depiction of St. Bernard's posture and expression conveys a sense of devotion and reverence. The surrounding landscape, including the tree, provides a serene backdrop for the poignant scene. This masterful etching is a testament to Mellan's talent in capturing both the spiritual and the physical with remarkable precision. It exemplifies the religious themes and artistic techniques prominent in 17th-century European art.