Lamentation 1683

Claude Mellan’s 1683 engraving, “Lamentation,” depicts a scene of mourning and grief. The central figure, a woman, likely representing the Virgin Mary, stands above the body of Christ, which lies on a stone platform. Mellan was a renowned French artist known for his mastery of line, and the intricate detail of the engraving is testament to his skill. This piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a powerful example of Baroque art, featuring dramatic lighting, emotional expression, and a focus on the human figure.