Bust of St. Joseph in an Oval 1600 - 1688

Claude Mellan created this engraving of the "Bust of St. Joseph in an Oval", immortalizing a figure central to the Christian faith. Mellan was working in a period where religious imagery was both a source of inspiration and contention. Here, St. Joseph is not just a biblical figure, but a man rendered with a palpable humanity. Mellan’s choice to depict Joseph with such detail invites us to consider the identities of those often marginalized or placed in supporting roles. What does it mean to visualize male figures of the bible with such detail? How might the faithful relate to such an image? Consider how Mellan challenges or reinforces the traditional narratives around St. Joseph, and think about the kind of emotional connection that this image might inspire. What emotions surface for you when viewing this image? The engraving serves as a focal point for contemplating the intersection of faith, identity, and representation.