Saints Perpetua and Felicity c. 17th century

Editor: This is "Saints Perpetua and Felicity" by Jacques Callot. It's a very small print. I'm struck by the ladder going straight up into the sky. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: The ladder, precisely! It evokes Jacob's Ladder, a potent symbol of spiritual ascent, a bridge between earthly suffering and divine grace. Notice the wild beast at its foot; what do you suppose that represents? Editor: Maybe something they had to overcome, like temptation? Curator: Indeed. It signifies the trials, the earthly obstacles, that must be confronted on the path to spiritual enlightenment, a visual metaphor for their martyrdom. Editor: That’s fascinating. So much symbolism packed into such a small space! Curator: It’s a testament to how visual symbols carry layers of meaning, echoing through history.