Claude Mellan (1598 - 1688)
Sudarium of Saint Veronica
Title
Sudarium of Saint Veronica
Dating
1649
Material/Technique
Copper engraving on paper
Dimensions
Tryckyta 42,70 x 31,80 cm
Papper 44,60 x 33,30 cm
Category
Inventory number
G 39/1946
Acquisition
Purchase, 1946
Display Status
Not on display at the museum
Description
The Sudarium of Saint Veronica is Claude Mellan’s most famous masterpiece and is one of the foremost showpieces in the history of printmaking. Judging by the title, it depicts Saint Veronica’s sudarium, showing an impression of Jesus’ face.
Engraved in a single continuous line, starting from the tip of the Christ figure’s nose, the motif is built up with the aid of the line’s variations in thickness and distance to the surrounding lines. In the specific technique developed by Mellan, the copper plate has been rotated as the burin carved into it.
Mellan was descended from a family of coppersmiths in 17th century France. After around ten years in Rome, Mellan worked for most of his life in Paris as an engraver and painter, and also carried out commissions for the French court.
Signature/Inscription
Signature (Nere till vänster i plåten): C MELLAN G . P ET F IN AEDIBVS REG.
1649
Inscriptions (nedtill i plåten): NON ALTER
Inscriptions (nedtill i plåten): FORMATVR VNICVS VNA
Etikett/Stämpel (nere till vänster): GKM
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till vänster): 39/1946
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till höger): 288
Inscriptions (a tergo i mitten): utst. feb 1955
Exhibition History
Printed. Prints as collector's items, mass media and showpieces, Göteborg, Göteborgs konstmuseum, 14/03/2020 - 16/08/2020
Literature
Kristoffer Arvidsson, Per Dahlström, Björn Fredlund, Anna Hyltze, Philippa Nanfeldt, Isabella Nilsson, Johan Sjöström, Samlingen Göteborgs konstmuseum, red. Kristoffer Arvidsson, Per Dahlström, Anna Hyltze, Göteborgs konstmuseum, Göteborg 2014., ill. p. 72