Saint Theophilus c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's tiny etching, Saint Theophilus. It's incredible how much detail he fits into such a small space! What do you see in this image? Curator: Well, it’s more than just an image of a saint; it’s a product of its time. Consider the Counter-Reformation context. What power dynamics are at play when an artist chooses to depict a Saint's triumph over the devil? Editor: That’s a good point. It makes me think about the messages being sent to the viewers. Curator: Exactly. The etching's visual language – the Saint's upright posture versus the devil prostrate on the ground – reinforces the Church's authority. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Curator: It prompts us to ask: whose stories get told and how? Understanding the socio-political climate is crucial. Editor: I’ll definitely keep that in mind moving forward.