Burial Procession of Christ 1678

Claude Mellan created this print, Burial Procession of Christ, using engraving techniques. The composition leads our eyes through a landscape filled with grief. Note the linear precision achieved through the use of line alone, a technique that defines form and texture. The scene unfolds with a procession carrying Christ's body. The figures are rendered with meticulous detail, yet the emotion is restrained, conveyed through posture and the somber setting. Mellan masterfully uses line to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The sky, filled with swirling lines, adds to the emotional intensity. The work invites us to reflect on the formal elements that construct meaning. The controlled lines and stark contrasts not only depict a biblical scene but also explore the expressive potential of the engraving medium itself. In this way, Mellan pushes the boundaries of the engraving tradition, using line to convey both form and profound emotion.