Portret van Alphonse Louis du Plessis de Richelieu, aartsbisschop van Lyon 1636

This 1636 engraving by Claude Mellan, entitled "Portret van Alphonse Louis du Plessis de Richelieu, aartsbisschop van Lyon", depicts Alphonse Louis du Plessis de Richelieu, the Archbishop of Lyon. The portrait is executed in a detailed and meticulous style, utilizing single, continuous lines to create a sense of depth and realism in the subject's features. The work, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, is a testament to Mellan's mastery of the engraving technique and his ability to capture the essence of his sitter. The intricate lines and precise detail are characteristic of Mellan's engraving style, known as "single-line engraving." This technique, popular in the 17th century, was highly demanding and showcases the artist's technical virtuosity.