Saint Restitua c. 17th century

Curator: This delicate etching is Jacques Callot's "Saint Restitua," part of his series on saints, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's remarkably detailed for such a small print! I’m immediately struck by the stark contrast; the saint stands serenely amidst chaos. Curator: Callot was renowned for his etching technique, especially his use of échoppes which allowed him to create incredibly fine lines and capture minute details. The printmaking process itself allowed for wider dissemination of hagiographies in society. Editor: You can see the texture in the water, the precise rendering of the ship's rigging, even the fallen figures on the shore. It really highlights the labor involved and the access it gave the wider population. Curator: Absolutely. And consider the political context; images of saints were powerful tools during the Counter-Reformation, reaffirming the Church's authority. Editor: Still, despite its religious context, the print also underscores Callot’s skill and the democratization of such imagery through printmaking. Curator: A potent blend of faith, politics, and craft, indeed. Editor: I agree; Callot's artistry truly transcends its original purpose.