Saint Nicholas of Tolentino c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Saint Nicholas of Tolentino," a small etching. The figure's intensity is palpable despite the size. What strikes you about Callot's approach here? Curator: The etching process itself is key. Consider the labor involved, the repetitive actions, the acid's bite. Callot's skill in manipulating these materials elevates a common devotional image. It speaks to the commodification of religious iconography in 17th-century Europe and the democratization of art through printmaking. Editor: That's a fascinating way to consider it, beyond just the religious subject. Curator: Exactly. It's about how the image was made, distributed, and consumed within its specific social context. Editor: I'll definitely look at prints differently now.