Saint Augustine c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Augustine," a small etching. The saint looks thoughtful, holding a flaming heart. What do you see in this image? Curator: The flaming heart represents divine love, a potent symbol for Augustine, whose writings explored the power of love. Notice the child with the shell; it echoes the story of Augustine encountering a child trying to empty the ocean into a small hole, symbolizing the futility of human attempts to grasp the divine. Editor: So the child isn't just a cute addition, but a direct reference? That's fascinating! Curator: Precisely. And the saint's gaze—towards the child, not the heavens—suggests that the path to understanding divine love involves humility and recognizing our limitations. It’s a powerful visual summary of Augustine's complex theology. Editor: It brings a whole new layer to the work, looking at the symbols and their relationship. Curator: Indeed. It highlights how symbols can encode deep cultural and spiritual meanings, connecting viewers across centuries.