Saint Conrad c. 17th century

Editor: This small engraving, "Saint Conrad" by Jacques Callot, depicts a bishop gesturing towards a kneeling figure, with what appear to be tiny demons flying away. It feels very symbolic and perhaps about banishing evil. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The demons emerging from the figure represent internal struggles and moral failings, reflecting a deep-seated cultural anxiety. The saint's gesture acts as a performative act, an almost theatrical expulsion of the psyche’s darker elements. What does the saint represent to you? Editor: Maybe the hope for redemption, or the power of faith to overcome inner demons? Curator: Precisely. Callot uses the image of Saint Conrad to show the enduring power of faith. Editor: I hadn’t considered it that way. Thank you for your insights! Curator: My pleasure, seeing art through symbolism unveils hidden dimensions.