Saint Eligius and King Dagobert 1520 - 1530

Jean de Gourmont created the engraving *Saint Eligius and King Dagobert.* Consider the era in which Gourmont lived. The pervasive influence of the Church dictated the narratives available for artists to explore. Here we see Eligius, the patron saint of goldsmiths, blacksmiths, and metalworkers, diligently working at his trade. Before him stands King Dagobert. The composition reinforces the notion of religious figures overseeing and blessing the mundane activities of everyday life. Think about the subtle power dynamics at play. Eligius, though toiling, is haloed, signifying his divine status. Dagobert, the king, is relegated to a passive observer. The artist prompts us to think about the intertwining of labor, religion, and governance during the 16th century. It invites us to reflect on the power structures embedded in daily life and the spiritual significance often attributed to manual work.