Vulture c. 17th century

Curator: This is "Vulture," an etching by Jacques Callot. Callot, who lived from 1592 to 1635, was a printmaker active in the early 17th century. Editor: It's stark, almost unsettling. The vulture feels isolated, exposed in this desolate landscape. Curator: Callot was deeply affected by the religious and political conflicts of his time. The vulture, often a symbol of death and decay, might allude to the ravages of war. Editor: I see a connection between this solitary vulture and the broader themes of power and vulnerability. There's a critique of unchecked authority here, don't you think? Curator: It's certainly possible to read it that way. Callot’s prints often served as commentary on social and political events. Editor: Ultimately, the etching makes you think about resilience, about what endures even in the face of destruction. Curator: Indeed, it is a powerful reminder of the fragility and strength inherent in the human condition.