Saint Grisogonus c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Grisogonus," a small etching. It's stark but intense. There's a figure pushing another into water, with a distinct halo. What symbols or deeper meanings resonate with you? Curator: The oval frame itself is a symbol, recalling the shape of a gemstone or relic, immediately imbuing the scene with sacredness. Water, of course, is a potent symbol of cleansing, and death, but consider the sword: is it an instrument of martyrdom or justice? How does that interplay with the act of drowning? Editor: That’s fascinating, I hadn't thought about the interplay between cleansing and martyrdom. It gives the image a much richer meaning. Curator: Indeed. Recognizing these symbols reveals the cultural memory embedded in the image, allowing us to connect with its enduring power.