Self-Portrait

About this work

This is a black-and-white engraving of a man with a serious expression. His curly hair and beard frame a strong face, and he wears a ruffled collar with lace details. The lines in the print are tight and precise, shading his features with cross-hatching. The text at the bottom reads *"Claudius Mellan Nationis Gallicae Pictor et Incisor"*, which means "Claude Mellan, French painter and engraver." This tells us the artist made the print himself. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Mellan used this technique.