Saint Pelagia c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Saint Pelagia," an etching from the 17th century. It's a small piece, yet it depicts this striking scene of a saint riding an ox. What do you make of this unusual composition? Curator: It speaks to the complex negotiation of female sainthood within patriarchal structures. The ox, a symbol of servitude and sacrifice, is juxtaposed with Pelagia's spiritual authority. Do you think the positioning of the male figures on the right influences our interpretation of her power? Editor: That's a great point! I hadn't considered the male figures as a challenge to her power. Curator: Exactly! Consider how societal expectations shaped the narrative of female piety and agency during Callot's time. What does this image suggest about the path to redemption for women then? Editor: This makes me think about how women were often portrayed in relation to purity and repentance. Thanks for broadening my understanding!