Saint Benedict in Ecstasy c. 17th century

Editor: So, this is Claude Mellan’s "Saint Benedict in Ecstasy," housed right here at Harvard. I'm struck by how intensely focused Saint Benedict seems, lost in his vision. How do you read that expression, and what do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s like Mellan’s caught a glimpse of the divine, right? Saint Benedict's not just looking up; he's reaching, almost dancing with the light. Makes you wonder, doesn't it, what he sees, what he feels? The engraver's line transforms from mere depiction to a kind of visual poetry, a hymn in light and shadow. What do you make of the orb above him? Editor: It feels symbolic, perhaps representing divine knowledge or enlightenment? It is interesting to think of how artists use light. Curator: Precisely! It could be, and it is also what strikes me most. The orb isn't just light; it's like a concentrated thought, an idea made visible. Makes you think about how we seek meaning, doesn't it?