Artwork

Saint Alexis

Saint Alexis, by Claude Mellan, ink, 1649
Saint Alexis, by Claude Mellan, ink, 1649

Saint Alexis is an ink print by the Baroque artist Claude Mellan. It dates from 1649 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Claude Mellan's Saint Alexis is a 1649 engraving that depicts a serene figure amidst dramatic surroundings.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving shows a man, identified as Saint Alexis, reclining on the ground with a peaceful expression, while the background scenes convey a sense of activity and turmoil.

Technique & Style

Mellan employed fine lines to achieve nuanced shading and texture, particularly in the rendering of fabrics, a characteristic technique used in engravings of the period to create depth and visual interest.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Claude Mellan

Artist

Claude Mellan

Claude Mellan (1598–1688) was a French artist, born in Abbeville.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.