Saint Paul c. 17th century

Curator: I’m struck by the chaotic energy of this composition, even in monochrome. It feels both grounded and turbulent. Editor: Indeed. This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Paul," a 17th-century engraving now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Curator: Paul is rendered with such gravitas, yet the violence unfolding behind him feels very pointed given his story of conversion. Editor: Precisely, Paul's life was undeniably reshaped by cultural and political forces, transforming from persecutor to advocate. The sword is there as a symbol of execution but also, more subtly, as a tool of conversion. Curator: That positioning of the sword, juxtaposed against that background of struggle, highlights the complex intersections of faith, power, and identity. Editor: Callot's technique masterfully portrays a figure caught between worlds, reminding us of the public role of belief within socio-political landscapes. Curator: Considering Paul's legacy, and the impact of his image, this print makes us consider the meaning of transformation across time. Editor: It makes us contemplate just how potent imagery can be in shaping history.