Saint Eugene c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Eugene," a small etching from the early 17th century held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought? It feels almost like a stage, doesn't it? The way the figures are positioned, caught in a moment of vulnerability and support. Curator: Indeed. The oval format and the stark contrast amplify that drama. Notice how the young man helps the limp figure. It’s a powerful symbol of compassion. Editor: Absolutely. The figure being helped—Saint Eugene, I presume—is visually linked to that craggy rock, suggesting stability, resilience, but also exhaustion. The etching technique emphasizes that feeling. Curator: And the sea in the background—it speaks to the saint's journey, perhaps a spiritual voyage, and the trials one faces on such a quest. Editor: The image has a peculiar force, given its modest dimensions. I guess this tiny drama says so much about the human condition—offering help, needing help, and finding strength in the face of adversity.