Saint Peter Nolasque 1627

Claude Mellan’s engraving presents us with Saint Peter Nolasque, supported by angels. He is depicted holding a book, a symbol of knowledge and divine wisdom. The motif of angels carrying a holy figure harkens back to classical antiquity, recalling images of deities transporting heroes. Yet, it evolves through Christian art to signify divine intervention and grace. This image connects to earlier depictions of ecstatic saints, such as those by Bernini. The angels' expressions, serene and focused, evoke a sense of transcendent peace. The presence of these celestial beings suggests a psychological bridge between the earthly and the divine, inviting viewers to contemplate the mystical experience of spiritual elevation. This cyclical return and transformation of symbols reveal how cultural memory operates, imbuing images with layers of meaning that resonate across time.