Saint Genevieve c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot’s “Saint Genevieve,” a small etching. The contrast between light and shadow is so stark, it creates a dramatic, almost theatrical effect. What symbols stand out to you in this piece? Curator: Notice the angel and devil flanking Genevieve, locked in a visual struggle. This reflects the internal and external battles she faced, a common motif for saints. Does this resonate with contemporary narratives of good versus evil, inner turmoil, or societal conflicts? Editor: It does, actually. I see that same battle represented often today. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: Consider, too, how the surrounding scenes—the praying figure and the working peasant—connect Genevieve to both spiritual devotion and everyday life. The power of visual symbols lies in their ability to collapse time and cultural boundaries.