Saint Ephrosina c. 17th century

Curator: Jacques Callot's print, "Saint Ephrosina," held here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents a scene of monastic life in remarkable detail, despite its small size. Editor: It’s almost claustrophobic, isn't it? The tight oval frame, the compressed figures. There's a sense of piety, sure, but also a kind of...oppression? Curator: Callot's use of line really emphasizes that density. The parallel hatching creates a sense of enclosure, reinforcing the somber atmosphere. Editor: And yet, the saint, with that halo, seems almost weightless against the backdrop. It’s a strange contrast. I wonder what Callot intended? Curator: Knowing Callot, it’s likely a meditation on devotion and sacrifice. The figures surrounding her seem to simultaneously support and confine her. It’s beautiful, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely, it's something special. That compression gives it such concentrated energy. I definitely see it differently now.