Entry of the King into La Rochelle (border, upper right) c. 17th century

Editor: Jacques Callot’s etching, “Entry of the King into La Rochelle,” is incredibly detailed. The way he depicts the crowd and the royal crest is fascinating. What symbols do you see in this work? Curator: The crest is key. The fleur-de-lis signifies French royalty, but the wheel? That's the symbol of La Rochelle, referencing its maritime power. It’s an image of conquest, but also assimilation. What do you make of the crowd’s reaction? Editor: They seem subdued, almost defeated. It makes me wonder about the true cost of this “entry.” Curator: Exactly! Callot presents the King's triumph, but the somber tone reflects the Huguenots’ loss of autonomy. These images, then, are complex cultural artifacts. Editor: I hadn't considered the dual symbolism before. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: It is in understanding those symbols that the art truly comes alive.