Saint Eustace and His Children c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot’s “Saint Eustace and His Children,” a rather small etching. The ox seems to dominate the scene; the family is barely visible. What is your interpretation of this work? Curator: Well, remember that Callot lived during a period of immense social upheaval. Consider the family's vulnerability, dwarfed by the ox. How does this reflect the era's power dynamics and the displacement experienced by many? Editor: So, the ox represents oppressive forces? Curator: It could symbolize the burdens placed upon families. Think about the relationship between religion and power. Editor: I see. It's not just a historical depiction, but a commentary on social justice too. Curator: Precisely. Art often holds a mirror to society.