St. Francis of Assisi

Art Historical Context

This enchanting engraving, *St. Francis of Assisi attributed to Claude Mellan with a reverse copy by Nicolas Bazin, the humble spirit of the beloved 13th-century Italian saint. Mellan, a masterful French engraver active in the 17th century, was renowned for his intricate line work and innovative techniques, often blending technical precision with devotional fervor. St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan order and patron saint of animals and ecology, is depicted in a manner evoking his legendary poverty and communion with nature, making this print a poignant artifact from the Baroque era's religious art tradition. As an engraving—a labor-intensive intaglio process where lines are incised into a copper plate, inked, and pressed onto paper—this work exemplifies the era's printmaking prowess. The "copy in reverse" by Bazin indicates a mirrored reproduction, likely created to facilitate transfer or adaptation, highlighting the collaborative and reproducible nature of 17th-century prints. Measuring 16 7/16 x 11 7/16 inches, its scale suits both personal devotion and scholarly study. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund (1941), this piece underscores the cultural reverence for St. Francis, whose life inspired countless artists. It invites visitors to reflect on themes of simplicity and stewardship that resonate across centuries.

About the Artist

Claude Mellan|Nicolas Bazin · 1598–1688

Claude Mellan (1598-1688) was a French draughtsman, engraver, and painter who became one of the most innovative printmakers of the French Baroque period. Born in Abbeville to a family of coppersmiths, Mellan rose to become Peintre et Graveur Ordinaire du Roi (Painter and Engraver in Ordinary to the King), achieving recognition for his extraordinary technical mastery. Mellan's artistic significanc...