Saint Pantalonius c. 17th century

Editor: This etching by Jacques Callot, "Saint Pantalonius," depicts the saint's martyrdom. The starkness of the lines against the small scale makes the scene feel both intimate and brutal. What do you see in this work? Curator: Well, consider the material conditions. Callot, a master printmaker, likely used metal plates for these small, reproducible images. This speaks to the circulation of religious narratives as commodities, disseminated widely through printmaking. Editor: So, it's not just about the religious story, but about the means of spreading it? Curator: Precisely. And think of the labor involved: the meticulous engraving, the printing process, the distribution networks. The image itself becomes a product of early modern commerce. Editor: That's fascinating. I never considered the business aspect of religious art like this before. Curator: Examining the production reveals so much!