Discovery of the True Cross c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Discovery of the True Cross," a miniature etching. It feels like a stage set, doesn't it? Editor: It does. There's a distinct sense of the theatrical, almost as if the city behind Helena is a backdrop for this profound act. Callot’s decision to depict this scene is significant; the politics of imagery during that time played an important role. Curator: Absolutely. We see Helena, mother of Constantine, centered, bearing the cross. Her gender and maternal role in this narrative also challenge traditional patriarchal readings of religious history. It offers a different perspective, doesn't it? Editor: It does. Considering its dimensions, Callot masterfully conveys both grandeur and intimacy. I’m struck by the delicate lines and the meticulous detail, especially in the cityscape. What is your reading of the setting? Curator: To me, it adds layers of complexity, rooting this supposed divine event in the everyday world. Callot's "Discovery" reminds us of art's power to shape and question the stories we tell ourselves. Editor: It's remarkable how such a small image can evoke such a monumental narrative.