Saint Charles Borromeo c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Charles Borromeo," a small etching from the early 17th century, now housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredible how much detail Callot manages to pack into such a small space. The lines are so precise, giving the entire scene a somewhat austere, devotional quality. Curator: Indeed. Borromeo was a significant figure in the Counter-Reformation, and Callot's imagery was often tied to religious and political currents of his time. Note how the surrounding architecture, including the church in the background, serves to reinforce Borromeo's institutional power. Editor: And the composition, enclosed within the oval, focuses our attention entirely on Borromeo's piety. The way the light falls on the book, and the stark contrast with the shadowed figure, creates a really dramatic effect. Curator: The print would have circulated widely, shaping public perception of Borromeo and the Church's role. Editor: It's amazing to see such potent content conveyed through such carefully controlled lines. Curator: Absolutely, a striking example of how art serves both devotion and the socio-political landscape. Editor: And a masterclass in miniature composition!