Cardinal Richelieu, Kneeling, Presents His Book to the Virgin and Child 1641 - 1651

Editor: Here we have Claude Mellan's print, "Cardinal Richelieu, Kneeling, Presents His Book to the Virgin and Child," created sometime between 1641 and 1651. There’s almost a dreamlike quality to this, seeing the Cardinal amidst the clouds with a whole host of cherubic faces peering down. What's your read on this, what strikes you most? Curator: Oh, it's a fascinating piece, isn’t it? To me, it whispers of power, piety, and perhaps a dash of self-promotion, all swirling together. It is striking. Richelieu was quite the character, a master of political theater, and here he is staging his own devotional act. Imagine him thinking: "Yes, a print! That's how I make the front page in Heaven!”. Editor: Self-promotion, absolutely! I hadn't thought about it in such a theatrical sense, but that makes perfect sense given Richelieu's historical context. All those cherubs feel like his own personal paparazzi! Curator: Exactly! Mellan’s line work is incredible, too. See how everything is rendered with such incredible detail. What’s also compelling, what’s Mellan communicating, would you say? Editor: Well, maybe something about the Cardinal seeking legitimacy or forgiveness. Or it could just be a straight-up power play—showcasing his influence even in religious spheres. I love how much is packed into a seemingly simple image. Curator: Yes! Mellan really lets the viewer decide; the man just gave us the recipe but not the cake! Editor: True. I’m definitely seeing Mellan and Richelieu in a new light—art as a meticulously crafted political stage. Curator: Couldn't agree more. These old prints; still able to surprise us!