Saint Kunegunda c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Saint Kunegunda," a small etching. The saint's halo and crown suggest holiness and royalty, but the sword near her feet feels like a challenge to that image. What symbols stand out to you in this piece? Curator: The sword is key. It refers to the ordeal by fire Kunegunda underwent to prove her chastity, a potent symbol of female virtue and power within religious narratives. The landscape, even in its simplicity, evokes a spiritual journey. What emotions does that evoke? Editor: It’s fascinating how these symbols condense complex stories and beliefs into a single image! The cultural weight of such symbols is something to behold. Curator: Precisely. Callot uses these familiar symbols to tap into a well of cultural memory. It really makes you think about how images shape our understanding of history.