Standbeeld van een vrouw 1631 - 1637

Claude Mellan created this print of a woman’s statue using burin on paper. The image is striking for its clarity and precision, achieved through a technique of engraving fine lines into a copper plate. Mellan was renowned for his unique method of using a single, gradually thickening line to create tonal variations, a demanding process that required immense skill and control. Look closely, and you'll notice how the varying width and density of the lines give form to the woman’s drapery, creating a sculptural effect on a flat surface. The method is particularly effective here, because the subject is itself a sculpture. Mellan’s approach can be tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption: it clearly demanded intensive work. The choice of this demanding technique underscores the value placed on virtuosity and craftsmanship in Mellan's time. It also shows the interplay between the fine arts and craft traditions, challenging the traditional hierarchy. In the end, it is the skill that makes this image so compelling.