Anna Maria Vaiani 1624 - 1636

Claude Mellan's "Anna Maria Vaiani" (1624-1636) is a striking example of an engraving, showcasing the artist's masterful use of line. This portrait, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a young woman, Anna Maria Vaiani, adorned with fine jewelry and a fur-lined garment. The image is enclosed in an oval frame inscribed with her name and title, "Patrice Fiorentina". This meticulous detail, along with the subtle shading, gives the portrait a sense of realism and depth. Mellan's exquisite technique and attention to detail elevate this work from a simple portrait into a refined piece of art.