Last Supper c. 17th century

Curator: At Harvard Art Museums, we have Jacques Callot's "Last Supper," an etching created during the 17th century. Editor: It has such a theatrical quality, doesn't it? Like a stage set, all receding lines drawing our eye toward the radiant figure at the center. Curator: Callot masterfully uses the print medium to create a sense of depth and drama. Consider the context, the political and religious tensions of the time... Editor: And the light radiating from Christ. It's not just illumination; it's a symbolic declaration of divinity, setting Him apart. The table itself is an altar. Curator: Yes, and the architecture amplifies that—the weighty columns, the formal setting reflecting the power of the Church. Editor: So much visual storytelling packed into such a small space. It invites contemplation on faith and betrayal, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. It reveals how religious imagery served social and ideological functions. Editor: It's a powerful reminder of how symbols can transcend time.