Martyrdom of Saint Agnes c. 17th century

Editor: This is Gérard Audran's "Martyrdom of Saint Agnes", from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a powerful depiction, and the figures are arranged in a way that highlights the dramatic tension. What strikes you about it? Curator: The engraving presents us with a complex layering of power dynamics, doesn’t it? We see the earthly violence against Agnes, but above, a divine intervention. Consider how the male figures enact the martyrdom, while female figures offer comfort. How might we interpret the role of gender in the construction of sainthood here? Editor: That’s a fascinating point. I hadn’t considered the gendered aspect so directly. So, are you suggesting that the piece is not just about religious devotion, but also about societal power structures? Curator: Precisely. Think about how the control over women's bodies has historically been tied to social and political control. Agnes becomes a symbol of resistance against these structures, even in her martyrdom. Editor: I see now. It’s more than just a religious scene; it's a statement about agency and power. Thanks for making that clear. Curator: Art allows us to examine those tensions, and reflect on power.