Saint Dunstan c. 17th century

Curator: Ah, look at this tiny marvel! It's Jacques Callot's "Saint Dunstan," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. There's a sort of graphic novel quality to it, don't you think? Editor: Yes, the contrast is striking, creating a theatrical feel. I'm drawn to the stark division between light and shadow, it’s almost as though Dunstan is stepping out of the darkness. Curator: Callot's known for his detailed depictions of crowds, even in miniature. You can see it here with the figures behind Dunstan, each one rendered with precision, radiating faith. Editor: Precisely! It highlights the power dynamics within religious institutions, framing Dunstan as a mediator between divine light and the lay followers. Curator: There's something wonderfully strange about the oval frame—it’s as if we are glimpsing into another world, a pocket dimension of piety. Editor: Indeed. By situating Dunstan within this visual framework, Callot prompts us to consider not only the saint's individual spirituality, but also the collective identity of the Church. Curator: Makes you want to be a better person, or at least, pick up a few more hobbies. Editor: It makes me want to interrogate the power structures that define sainthood and canonization.