Annunciation 1666

Curator: Before us is Claude Mellan's "Annunciation," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The entire scene seems to float, doesn't it? The heavy use of clouds gives the whole image a dreamlike, ethereal quality. Curator: Mellan, active in 17th century France, was celebrated for his engraving technique. Notice the intricate lines defining form and space. It's more than just an image; it represents the cultural and religious values of its time. Editor: And those values are reinforced by the sheer labor evident in the work. The repetitive, precise strokes suggest a meditative process. Curator: Absolutely. The print circulated widely, shaping popular perceptions of the Annunciation story. Editor: The materiality of the print itself—the paper, the ink—would have been relatively accessible, bringing this sacred scene to a broader audience. Curator: This piece reveals the power of art to disseminate ideologies. Editor: And the power of craft to embody them, one line at a time.