Holy Family with Joseph Sawing c. 17th century

Editor: This is Claude Mellan's "Holy Family with Joseph Sawing." I find the figures quite sculptural, almost like bas-relief. What catches your eye in this composition? Curator: Notice how Mellan uses line, not to delineate form, but to create tone through varying densities. The single line technique, devoid of cross-hatching, emphasizes purity and clarity, qualities intrinsic to the subject. Editor: So, the technique itself reinforces the themes? Curator: Precisely. The visual austerity mirrors the virtuous poverty of the Holy Family, wouldn't you agree? Mellan masterfully employs form to elevate content. Editor: That's a fresh perspective. I’ll certainly consider technique in future analysis.