Deposition of the Virgin c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Deposition of the Virgin," a small engraving measuring only about 7.6 x 4.9 cm, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredibly detailed for such a tiny piece. The crisp lines give it a stark, almost severe feeling, and the way the figures are arranged feels so staged and deliberate. Curator: Callot was a master printmaker, renowned for his technical virtuosity in etching and engraving. He captures religious and secular life during a period of conflict, giving us glimpses into the history of devotion. Editor: Look at the labor involved in creating such fine lines! And consider the social aspect too - the tools, the workshop, the market for these religious images in early modern Europe. Curator: Absolutely. These prints circulated widely, shaping religious and cultural attitudes. Editor: Indeed, a potent reminder that even something small can carry significant material and cultural weight. Curator: A powerful intersection of craft, devotion, and the shaping of social narratives, wouldn't you agree?