St. Bernard Presenting the Rule 1600 - 1688

Editor: This is Claude Mellan's engraving, "St. Bernard Presenting the Rule," likely created between 1600 and 1688. The monochrome palette gives it a striking formality. What immediately stands out is the meticulous rendering of light and shadow using only parallel lines. How would you interpret the significance of Mellan’s technique here? Curator: Mellan's virtuosity in line engraving is not merely decorative; it's integral to the work's meaning. The use of only parallel lines to create tonal variation demonstrates a commitment to order and clarity, echoing the structured monastic life that St. Bernard’s rule prescribed. Notice how the density and direction of these lines create form, define texture, and delineate the architectural space and figures within it. The composition itself presents a hierarchy, doesn't it? Editor: Yes, St. Bernard is centrally placed, much larger than the other figures. Curator: Precisely. His dominance isn’t solely due to size but also the light that illuminates him, setting him apart from the more shadowed monks. Consider the geometry at play here; the stark vertical lines of St. Bernard’s figure contrast with the curved, supplicating postures of the monks, thereby visually encoding the power dynamic within the order. The background architecture appears very simple and geometric as well. Editor: So the technique itself is not just about skill, but about reinforcing the themes of order and divine authority through purely visual means. That's amazing! I will think about lines in an image from now on. Curator: Indeed! The aesthetic choices and the rigorous structure aren’t incidental. It all suggests something of profound impact that you now appreciate.