Martyrdom of Saint Peter c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Martyrdom of Saint Peter," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s a striking scene, chaotic yet controlled, with a strong sense of drama, even at this small scale. Curator: Callot, born in 1592, was a master of etching. He captures the horror of Peter's crucifixion, turned upside down as a sign of humility, a powerful symbol of faith. Editor: The upside-down crucifixion introduces an element of inversion, of the world turned on its head, quite common in early modern depictions of suffering. It's also political, considering the Church's role in society. Curator: Precisely. The composition, with the crowd's diverse reactions and the angels above, emphasizes the psychological weight of this event and its spiritual significance. Editor: It makes you wonder about the viewers at the time. How would they reconcile the brutal act with the promise of divine salvation? Curator: Indeed, Callot’s work invites us to contemplate the power of belief and the narratives that shape our understanding of history. Editor: A stark reminder of the enduring power of images in shaping both personal faith and public memory.