Saint Lucretia c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot’s tiny print, Saint Lucretia. It’s a harrowing scene. She's kneeling, awaiting execution. It makes me wonder, what's the context here? Curator: Callot, working in the early 17th century, tapped into a long tradition of representing Lucretia as a symbol of virtue and resistance against tyranny. Consider the socio-political climate, the power dynamics between men and women, the church and the state. How do you think Callot is using this imagery? Editor: Maybe to comment on the injustices of his time, using Lucretia as a stand-in for other victims of power? Curator: Precisely. The print becomes a powerful, albeit small, political statement accessible to a wide audience. It's fascinating how art can reflect and shape public opinion, even centuries later. Editor: So, it is not just a historical illustration. It speaks to universal themes of power and oppression. Thanks!