Text (border, lower left) c. 17th century

Editor: This print, "Text (border, lower left)" by Jacques Callot, presents a dense block of text. It almost feels like a forbidden scroll! How would you interpret the symbolism at play here? Curator: Notice how the text is presented, almost reverentially, on a pedestal. Callot, through this symbolic gesture, elevates the written word. What do you think the scroll represents in this context? Editor: Maybe the foundation of knowledge? Curator: Precisely! Knowledge, tradition, and perhaps even a hint of academic authority. The scroll, an ancient symbol of wisdom, is being presented as fundamental. Editor: I never thought about text being symbolically heavy like that! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It’s through these visual cues that Callot speaks volumes, even without elaborate imagery.