The Christ Child on a Bed of Straw 1662

Claude Mellan's "The Christ Child on a Bed of Straw" (1662) is a poignant depiction of the Nativity. The print showcases Mellan's mastery of the "burin" technique, a meticulous engraving method using a pointed tool to create fine lines. The composition centers on the Christ Child, lying peacefully in a straw-filled manger, surrounded by a halo of angels. This piece exemplifies the Baroque era's dramatic use of light and shadow, contrasting the divine light of the baby Jesus with the earthly darkness of the manger. The artwork, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a powerful reminder of the religious significance of the Christmas story.