Christus als Salvator Mundi 1619 - 1624

This is Claude Mellan's "Christus als Salvator Mundi," made with engraving. At first glance, the image strikes us with its intricate network of fine lines, meticulously arranged to define form and space. Mellan masterfully uses a single, continuous line that spirals outward to create the illusion of light, shadow, and texture. This technique, typical of Mellan, shows off the potential of the burin, turning it into a tool that does not just delineate but also models form. The figure of Christ, framed by clouds and cherubic faces, emerges from a dense field of marks, creating an ethereal quality. The globe in Christ's left hand serves as a focal point, its spherical form adding depth to the composition. This choice reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns about representation and spirituality. Mellan isn’t just depicting a religious scene; he is questioning the very structure of visual language and its capacity to convey abstract concepts.