Saint Thaddeus c. 17th century

Curator: It’s fascinating how Jacques Callot rendered "Saint Thaddeus." There is such drama in the etching. Editor: Indeed. The figure dominates the scene, looming over the architecture and dwarfing the other figures. Curator: Callot, working in the early 17th century, was renowned for his mastery of etching techniques. Note the incredible detail achieved through the layering of lines. He must have been deeply involved in the printing processes in his studio. Editor: The axe held by the Saint is quite striking, given that is the supposed instrument of his martyrdom. How interesting that Callot chose to include the martyrdom in the background. Curator: Exactly, and the use of etching allowed for the reproduction of this imagery, influencing religious iconography for a broad audience. Editor: It certainly invites reflection on the intersection of faith and violence in the public sphere. Curator: Agreed. Callot really captures something about the visual culture of the era. Editor: Yes, it's interesting how it reveals the ways the church, as well as images, operated then.