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The Man of Sorrows

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The Man of Sorrows

The Man of Sorrows

Artist Claude Mellan (French, 1598-1688)
Date1659
DimensionsOverall: 18 5/16 x 12 5/16 in. (46.5 x 31.2 cm);
Plate: 17 15/16 x 11 3/4 in. (45.5 x 29.9 cm)
MediumEngraving
ClassificationPrints
Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1990.75
Not on View
Label TextIn this large engraving, Jesus, after being crowned with thorns, is lead away by soldiers to be crucified as angels use sponges to collect his spilled blood. Claude Mellan has used very expressive and masterly carved parallel lines to delineate the figures of Jesus, soldiers, and angels. The engraved lines curve around the legs, arms, and torso of the figures, creating a sense of three-dimensional volume. At times the circular patterns have an almost surreal quality, particularly as seen in the helmet of the soldier on the right.Exhibition HistoryTMA, The Dramatic Image: Baroque Prints of the 17th Century, February 25 - July 31, 2011.

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