Saint Agapitus c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Agapitus," an etching, and it's quite small. I’m struck by how much detail he packed into such a tiny space. What do you see in the composition that stands out? Curator: The oval format immediately draws the eye inward, focusing attention on the central figure. Note how the delicate hatching defines volume and texture, creating a sense of depth despite the limited tonal range. The lines create an intriguing visual rhythm. Editor: So, it’s the interplay of lines, their direction and density, that gives the piece its visual strength? Curator: Precisely. Callot masterfully uses line to articulate form, light, and shadow, making the spiritual figure seem tangible. I now recognize the visual harmony created through careful construction.