Saints Vitalis and Valeria c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's etching, "Saints Vitalis and Valeria." Note the incredible detail achieved in such a small format. Editor: It feels somber, despite its delicate lines. The figures seem burdened, not triumphant. Curator: Callot created this as part of a series depicting various saints. Consider the historical context: religious devotion, martyrdom, and the power structures of the time. How are women and men represented? Editor: The etching process itself—the biting of the plate with acid, the careful inking and printing—reflects a specific mode of production. How did the accessibility of these prints shape religious and social discourse? Curator: The halos, their shared gaze, the palm fronds signifying martyrdom...It all constructs a narrative of shared faith and suffering, especially considering their roles as husband and wife. What does it tell us about the expectations of devotion and gender roles? Editor: Seeing the materiality and mode of production really contextualizes how these beliefs were disseminated. I find it fascinating. Curator: A perspective to consider when we examine the legacy and ongoing relevance of such images. Editor: Indeed, I'll keep that in mind during future viewings.