Boarding of the "Petaccio" 1617

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Boarding of the 'Petaccio'," created sometime before his death in 1635. It looks like an etching, depicting a naval battle. What strikes me is the violence and chaos. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see the violence of the 17th century played out through naval power. But more than that, I see how Callot’s print participates in the visual rhetoric of maritime dominance. Who gets to control the seas, and who is being controlled? Look at the inscription; how does it position the "Petaccio" in relation to the other ships? Editor: It says the "Petaccio" is defending itself, while the others are attacking. So, it's about resistance? Curator: Precisely! And thinking about resistance, who benefits from portraying maritime conflict in this way? Whose story is Callot really telling? Editor: I never thought about it that way! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Art is never neutral; it always takes a stand.