H. Petrus

1619

First Known Engraving

Mellan's first known engraving, made for a theological thesis of the Collège des Mathurins, shows that by 1619 he was already in Paris.

1624

Departure for Rome

Thanks to the financial assistance of Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc, he went to Rome, where he briefly studied engraving under Francesco Villamena, who died that same year, and then studied under the painter Simon Vouet, who encouraged him to draw from life.

1624–1636

Acquaintance with Poussin and Bernini

During his Roman years he became acquainted with outstanding artists: Nicolas Poussin, Pierre Mignard, Claude Lorrain, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

1624–1636 · Lugar de trabajo

Rome

1636–1688 · Lugar de trabajo

Paris

1637

Move to Paris and a New Technique

Back in Paris, he developed a distinctive technique: instead of chiaroscuro achieved by cross-hatching, a system of parallel lines whose tone is regulated by their thickness and density. He took up residence in the Louvre.