Saint Calliope c. 17th century

Curator: This etching is Jacques Callot's "Saint Calliope." Editor: It has a stark, almost violent mood. The saint seems to be undergoing some sort of torment. Curator: Callot, who lived from 1592 to 1635, depicts Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, enduring martyrdom. The halo and the grill behind her indicate her saintly status and manner of death. Editor: The presence of the month names, March and June, at the top and bottom suggests a place within a calendar or some sort of memorial. Calliope as a symbol of poetry, silenced. Curator: Indeed, martyrdom has long been a way for society to address uncomfortable ideas. This imagery evokes questions of power and resistance throughout the ages. Editor: It's a potent reminder of how art reflects the values and anxieties of its time. Curator: And how these symbols continue to resonate, shaping how we interpret narratives of persecution and faith.