Saint Hippolitus c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Hippolitus," a small etching at the Harvard Art Museums. The detail is incredible, but the violence in the background clashes with the saint's peaceful expression. What do you make of this contrast? Curator: Callot created many prints, often distributed widely, so considering the audience is key. The print likely served a didactic purpose. How does the portrayal of Hippolytus reinforce or challenge existing power structures within the church or broader society at the time? Editor: It’s interesting to think about the print as a tool for teaching, and how the artist leveraged these contrasting images to send a message about power and faith. Curator: Exactly! Understanding the historical context really illuminates Callot's choices, changing how we view the overall composition.