Portret van Urbanus VIII 1631

Claude Mellan made this print of Pope Urban VIII using a burin to incise lines into a copper plate. Look closely, and you’ll see something incredible. The portrait is created from a single, continuous line that spirals out from the tip of the Pope's nose. This wasn’t an entirely new idea, but Mellan took the technique to a previously unimaginable level. Etching and engraving were crucial technologies in early modern Europe. They allowed images to be reproduced and disseminated widely, playing a vital role in shaping public opinion and spreading information. Mellan was celebrated during his lifetime for his technical virtuosity. But his extreme skill also begs a question: At what point does craft become art? This print isn’t just a portrait. It’s a demonstration of Mellan’s mastery, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with this technology. By focusing on the extraordinary making of this artwork, we can appreciate how it transcends mere representation to become a testament to human skill and ingenuity.