Saint Leo the Great c. 17th century

Editor: This etching, "Saint Leo the Great" by Jacques Callot, crams so much into a tiny space! It's like a stage set, full of drama. How do you even begin to interpret a scene like this? Curator: I see a dance between earthly and divine power. Leo stands firm, his earthly authority mirrored by the saints poised above, ready to strike down any threat. It's a power play rendered with exquisite detail. What do you make of the soldiers? Editor: They seem almost secondary, pawns in a larger game. I hadn't thought about the contrast between that action and the stillness of the saints. Curator: Exactly! Callot captures a moment of poised potential. Will the sword strike, or will Leo's presence be enough? The tension is palpable. It makes you wonder about the source of true authority. Editor: This makes me think about the power of images themselves. It's fascinating to consider how Callot might have viewed the authority of images. Curator: Indeed. A tiny print holding so much weight. Food for thought!