Holy Family c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Holy Family." It's an engraving, but undated. I'm struck by the circular composition and the very detailed line work. What stands out to you when you look at it? Curator: The success of this print resides in Callot’s masterful use of line. Observe how he uses varied densities of hatching and cross-hatching to model form and suggest depth, all within that rigorous circular format. Do you see how this gives the work a kind of contained energy? Editor: Yes, I see that now. It’s all very deliberate, isn't it? Thanks for pointing out the cross-hatching. Curator: Indeed. Every line serves a purpose, contributing to the overall visual harmony and intellectual rigor that defines Callot’s formal approach. Editor: I hadn't considered the intellectual side of it so much. Thanks for opening my eyes to that!