Saint Anthony c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Anthony." It's a small etching, only about 7.6 by 4.9 centimeters. The piece is currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels claustrophobic, almost frantic. The tightly packed lines create a very dense, unsettling mood, even at this scale. Curator: Indeed. Saint Anthony is a potent figure, often depicted battling temptation, and Callot captures that struggle. The pig symbolizes temptation, while the demons represent those inner battles. Editor: The composition reinforces this. Anthony is framed by these creatures, his gaze distant. The harsh light source feels judgmental, pressing in on him. Curator: The "T" on his cloak, a symbol of his order, is so clearly rendered. It's a small act of resistance against chaos, anchoring him to faith. Editor: I'm struck by how the artist uses line to create form here, a network of marks that builds the entire narrative. It's as if the saint is woven out of the very substance of his trials. Curator: A powerful visual reminder of the endurance of faith. Editor: Yes, the image is a compelling study in psychological torment.