Virgin of Victory c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot’s "Virgin of Victory", a 17th-century engraving. It depicts a naval battle under the watchful eye of the Virgin Mary. It feels… propagandistic? What's your take? Curator: Propaganda is a strong word, but it’s not inaccurate. Consider the historical context: religious wars were tearing Europe apart. Callot is situating faith as a key instrument of power and triumph. Who benefits from this message, and whose stories are silenced? Editor: So, you’re saying it's not just a depiction of a battle, but an argument for religious authority? Curator: Precisely. And how does it normalize violence in the name of faith? Look closely; the Virgin legitimizes the carnage below. Callot isn’t simply showing us a battle; he’s asking us to see it as divinely sanctioned. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. It's unsettling to see religious imagery used in this way. Curator: Exactly! Recognizing these uncomfortable connections is vital. Art can both reflect and reinforce dominant ideologies.