Martyrdom of Saint John the Evangelist c. 17th century

Editor: This etching by Jacques Callot, titled "Martyrdom of Saint John the Evangelist," is so small, yet the detail is incredible! The scene depicts a chaotic moment. What's your take on it? Curator: Look closely at Callot's lines, the very material of the print. They reveal the labor of production, a commercial enterprise meeting devotional needs. The etching process itself—acid biting into copper—echoes the violence of the scene. The composition underscores a social hierarchy on display here. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the printmaking process as integral to interpreting the artwork’s meaning. Curator: Exactly! And consider the market for these prints, the consumption of religious imagery in early modern Europe, and how it shapes our understanding of faith and power. It really makes you think about who profits from depictions of martyrdom. Editor: I see. It connects the art to a larger economic and social picture. Thanks!