Saint Bartholomew 1631

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Bartholomew," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like a preliminary sketch, but there's such an intensity in the Saint's upward gaze and hand gesture. What do you make of it? Curator: Bartholomew, traditionally shown with his flayed skin, often represents mortality and faith. Here, Callot hints at that suffering through his intense expression. The halo, though faint, signifies his sanctity. What emotions do these symbols evoke in you? Editor: A sense of profound devotion, but also perhaps, fear. I see both in his face. Curator: Indeed. The image captures a pivotal moment, reflecting both human vulnerability and spiritual resolve. It prompts us to consider our own relationship with faith and suffering. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thanks for pointing out the details, like the faint halo. Curator: Symbolism enriches our understanding, providing a bridge between the visible and the unseen, inviting us to contemplate deeper meanings embedded in the artwork.