Saints Martianus and Saturnianus c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's etching, Saints Martianus and Saturnianus. Editor: It's a tiny window into another world. I feel like I'm peering through a keyhole at these serene figures. Curator: Indeed, its intimate scale, only 7.6 by 4.9 centimeters, belies the monumental role imagery played in early modern society. Callot, born in 1592, became a master of etching, and his prints circulated widely. Editor: There is a graceful simplicity to the composition. It feels like a memory, a fleeting moment captured with such delicate lines. Curator: The image likely served a devotional purpose, perhaps as part of a series depicting saints. Prints democratized religious imagery. Editor: It’s a reminder that even the smallest things can carry profound meaning and emotional weight. Curator: Exactly. Callot's Saints Martianus and Saturnianus are a microcosm of early modern faith and art. Editor: I'll carry that keyhole vision with me.