Saint Peter c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot’s “Saint Peter,” a beautiful print from the early 17th century. The delicacy of line is just remarkable. Editor: It's striking how Callot renders the saint as both powerful, almost monumental, yet also deeply human. I can almost feel the weight of the keys he holds. Curator: Yes, the keys to the kingdom, of course! I’m always drawn to the faces Callot creates. Look at the depth of expression, the wisdom etched in Peter's face! Editor: That rendering of Peter as elderly and learned is clearly meant to invoke the lineage and authority of the Church, but it also, perhaps unintentionally, emphasizes the institution's distance from everyday people, like those at the base of the composition. Curator: Interesting perspective, yes. But I prefer to think of it as Callot grounding the divine in the real. Editor: Well, regardless, Callot certainly gives us a lot to think about. Curator: Indeed, something about this depiction feels timeless.