Saint Germanicus c. 17th century

Editor: This etching is Jacques Callot’s "Saint Germanicus." The detail is incredible, considering it’s only about 3 by 2 inches! It depicts a saint calmly encountering a lion in an arena. What strikes you about how this image operates within its historical context? Curator: Well, the arena setting immediately places it within a Roman imperial context. Callot, though, was working in the 17th century. This image participates in a long tradition of depicting Christian martyrs facing wild beasts. What does it mean to visually reiterate these stories in early modern Europe? Editor: I guess it's about reminding viewers of faith's power. Curator: Precisely. And also, perhaps, commenting on contemporary power structures. Who are the lions today? Editor: That’s a potent question. I'll definitely think about that.