Martyrdom of Saint James the Greater c. 17th century

Editor: This etching, "Martyrdom of Saint James the Greater" by Jacques Callot, is incredibly detailed for such a small work. It depicts a chaotic public execution, yet there's also this divine figure above. What can you tell me about how this scene would have been viewed at the time? Curator: Callot was deeply involved in picturing social and political realities. The public spectacle of executions was common. Callot often depicted the theater of power, and who was watching, and *how* they are watching. What do you notice about the architecture, and its relationship to the crowd? Editor: It seems to frame and elevate the execution, almost like a stage set. The buildings look very important and impressive. Curator: Exactly. Callot is showing us how power is visually constructed. Even the saint’s vision seems to be staged, contributing to a complex commentary on justice and spectacle. Editor: I never thought about an execution being staged like that. It gives me a lot to consider about power and public image.