Frontispiece to "Gloriosisimae virginis deiparae elogium" c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's frontispiece to "Gloriosisimae virginis deiparae elogium". Editor: What a flurry of activity—and all packed into such a small space. I am immediately struck by the density of the engraving. Curator: Callot, active in the early 17th century, crafted this work as an introduction to a devotional book, meant to honor the Virgin Mary. Its placement indicates the role of the church in art's creation. Editor: You can almost feel the pressure of the press pushing the paper into the etched lines. It’s clearly designed for mass production, yet filled with detail only visible up close. Curator: The surrounding vignettes depict scenes from the life of the Virgin, framed by allegorical figures. Each image tells a story, reflecting the cultural importance of religious narratives at the time. Editor: I like thinking about all that ink, the precise action of the engraver’s tools, and the embodied knowledge that went into producing this piece. Curator: This piece provides a glimpse into how religious and political forces shaped the creation and consumption of images. Editor: Indeed, it's a reminder that even devotional images are made, and their making matters.