H. Apollonia 1608 - 1688

Claude Mellan's "H. Apollonia" (1608-1688) is a striking example of Baroque engraving, now housed in the Rijksmuseum. The work features a detailed depiction of Saint Apollonia, holding a pair of pliers and wearing a crown of thorns, symbols of her martyrdom. The image is rendered with meticulous detail and a deep sense of shadow, typical of Mellan's signature "single-line" technique, which utilizes a single, continuous line to create the entire figure. This masterful technique showcases the artist's exceptional skill and highlights the beauty and pathos of the subject.