Saint Ambrose c. 17th century

Curator: Isn't it striking? This tiny etching by Jacques Callot, "Saint Ambrose," feels so grand despite its miniature scale. Editor: There's a real tension in that small space. All those hatched lines vibrate. What's with the beehive, though? Curator: That's part of Ambrose's iconography, a symbol of his eloquence, like honeyed words. And the kneeling figure is Emperor Theodosius, doing penance after ordering a massacre. Editor: Ah, a clash of earthly and divine power. The composition really emphasizes Ambrose's authority, doesn't it? The king looks so... diminished. Curator: Exactly. Callot captures this pivotal moment with incredible detail, even in such a small format. You can almost feel the weight of the church. Editor: It makes me think about how symbols persist and evolve. Bees for speech—fascinating! It all boils down to how we see each other and the stories we tell. Curator: It is quite striking, the longer you observe the more it reveals itself!