Saint Bernard Kneeling before the Virgin and Child 1640

Editor: This is Claude Mellan’s "Saint Bernard Kneeling before the Virgin and Child," created around 1640. It’s an engraving, and the level of detail is incredible. What strikes me is the composition – the earthly and the divine realms seem so separate, yet they’re intimately connected through Saint Bernard’s gaze. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Mellan’s masterful use of line reveals so much about the symbolic relationships at play. Consider the Virgin and Child enthroned on clouds, surrounded by cherubic figures. These motifs recur throughout Christian art to project ideas of sanctity and heavenly grace, tracing back to well-established conventions of divine iconography. Notice how St. Bernard's humble posture contrasts sharply with their ethereal presence, almost as if light is a character? What does that imply? Editor: I guess it reinforces the Virgin’s divinity and St. Bernard’s reverence, using light to set them apart but also connecting them visually. And is there significance to the angels with the blank tablet? Curator: Exactly. That blank tablet is a powerful symbol. It signifies a space for Bernard’s future writings, mirroring divine inspiration and marking his legacy. The artist highlights Bernard's spiritual wisdom, bridging the gap between humanity and the divine through writing, and immortalizing both vision and written word. Have you seen other visual devices used to create a sense of continuity? Editor: Now that you mention it, there is a visual continuity that extends vertically throughout the etching with both gazing upwards. It connects Saint Bernard to the divine figures above and to what is possible. That's clever. I’ve definitely learned a lot. Thanks! Curator: And I’ve considered Mellan’s capacity to weave meaning through imagery – it certainly highlights a very rich cultural heritage.