St. Gaëtan, Founder of the Theatines 1600 - 1688

"St. Gaëtan, Founder of the Theatines" is a 17th-century etching by Claude Mellan. The artwork depicts St. Gaëtan kneeling in prayer while holding a young child in his arms. A figure of the Virgin Mary appears above him, seemingly in heaven, and gestures towards the child. This piece exemplifies the artistic style of Baroque engravings with its dramatic use of light and shadow and attention to detail. The composition of the work and the use of line are hallmarks of Mellan's style, further emphasizing the scene's emotional depth and religious symbolism.