St. Gregory 1681

Claude Mellan made this engraving of St. Gregory on paper in the 17th century, using a technique that was itself undergoing something of a revolution. The key to understanding the image is the process Mellan used. Notice how the image is built from a single line that spirals out from the center of St. Gregory's nose. This was achieved by carefully controlling the burin, the engraving tool, to vary the line's thickness, creating the illusion of light and shadow. Mellan's virtuoso technique shows the influence of printmaking traditions that were expanding beyond mere replication, toward technical wizardry. But look closely at the subject matter and the incredible amount of skill involved, and it begs the question of whether we should consider engraving a ‘fine art’ that demands as much attention as painting or sculpture.