Saint Bartholomew c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Saint Bartholomew," an etching. The stark lines create a dramatic tension, especially when you notice the execution scene in the background. What's the story being told here? Curator: Callot often intertwined religious and secular imagery. Bartholomew, traditionally martyred by flaying, stands in contrast to the bustling town square and the public execution. Consider the role of such imagery in shaping public perception of justice and faith in 17th-century Europe. Editor: So, it's not just about the saint, but about how power was displayed? Curator: Precisely! It prompts us to question how institutions used such images to project authority and piety simultaneously. A compelling commentary on the theatre of power. Editor: I hadn't thought about the power dynamics at play. Thanks!