Saint Frances c. 17th century

Curator: Jacques Callot created this small engraving, "Saint Frances," sometime between 1592 and 1635. The piece resides in the Harvard Art Museums. What's your take? Editor: It evokes a sense of serenity despite its size. The crisp lines and the oval frame create a contained, almost meditative space. Curator: Note how Callot positions Saint Frances, labeled "Vidua," or widow, alongside an angel. The book she holds signifies wisdom, but also potentially points to literacy and power in a patriarchal society. Editor: Yes, the book, the halo, these are emblems. But look at the architectural symbols too. The small church reminds us of the earthly institutions that helped shape the saint's identity. Curator: It's fascinating to consider her widowhood through a lens of agency. She's not just a figure of mourning; she occupies a space of spiritual authority, especially given the restrictions placed on women. Editor: Indeed, her presence suggests a transcendence of societal constraints. Considering how these symbols resonate across centuries offers a rich dialogue with the past. Curator: Absolutely, the work prompts us to reassess the agency of women and their representation in religious art. Editor: Callot’s choices invite an ongoing conversation about female identity and power.