Saint Victor c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Victor," an etching. It feels incredibly theatrical, with a stark contrast between the violence and the saint's serenity. How does the context of its creation inform this depiction of martyrdom? Curator: Callot's work often reflects the socio-political turbulence of his time. This print, likely part of a series, should be viewed within the context of religious conflicts and power dynamics. Martyrdom wasn't just a historical event; it was a potent symbol, strategically deployed to solidify faith and justify resistance. What does this image say about power? Editor: It's interesting how it frames power as both divine and brutal, with Saint Victor as a figure caught between them. Curator: Exactly! And that tension is key to understanding how these images functioned within the broader narrative of religious and political struggle. Seeing it this way brings a new perspective.