Saint John the Evangelist holding a goblet with a snake emerging from it, from "Christ, the Virgin, and Thirteen Apostles" 1595 - 1645

Editor: Here we have "Saint John the Evangelist holding a goblet with a snake emerging from it, from 'Christ, the Virgin, and Thirteen Apostles'", made sometime between 1595 and 1645 by an anonymous artist. It's an ink engraving on paper, currently housed at the Met. The contrast of the subject matter – a saint holding a cup with a snake – really grabs me. It's quite striking, even a little unsettling. What do you see in this piece, from your perspective? Curator: Well, isn’t it fabulous? Beyond the obvious tension you mentioned, I see a real embrace of paradox. St. John, the beloved apostle, holding a vessel that typically signifies poison… it’s as though the artist is reminding us that holiness and danger, faith and doubt, often share the same cup. The Mannerist style amplifies this tension, doesn’t it? The slightly elongated features, the somewhat theatrical pose... it all feels very deliberate. Does it strike you as affected, perhaps? Or genuinely spiritual? Editor: I see your point about the Mannerist drama, and no, it doesn't strike me as affected at all, more…thoughtful. This almost feels like an intimate contemplation, the snake as a symbol needing deeper investigation. It is an incredible contrast. Curator: Precisely! The snake, typically a symbol of evil or temptation, here seems…contained. Conquered, even? It’s emerging from the goblet, yes, but is it escaping, or is St. John somehow controlling it? Remember, this is a story about faith overcoming poison. I find it comforting, and creatively inspiring to consider. What a wild journey this work offers our minds, no? Editor: Absolutely! It is very thought-provoking. It completely shifted my initial, simplistic view of good versus evil. I will not forget it. Thank you so much! Curator: My pleasure entirely, what a fantastic and fun chat.