Saint Matthias 1631

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Matthias," an etching dating back to the early 17th century. It feels intensely personal, even though it's part of a series. What strikes you most about it? Curator: I see a commentary on power and sacrifice, both religious and political. Matthias, chosen to replace Judas, embodies the precarious nature of leadership in times of upheaval. Callot, working during the Thirty Years' War, was keenly aware of such instability. Editor: So, you're saying Matthias represents more than just a biblical figure? Curator: Precisely. The halberd, his attribute and instrument of martyrdom, and the book, symbolising his faith, are held aloft while a crowd seems to be milling about in the background, highlighting the saint's role within a larger socio-political landscape. It's not just about individual sainthood, but the burden of responsibility. Editor: That’s a very different way of thinking about religious art. Thanks. Curator: It’s about questioning the narratives we inherit and understanding how they reflect the complexities of their time.