Saint Irene and Her Companions c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Irene and Her Companions," a small etching—less than eight centimeters tall—currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's stark, isn't it? That executioner looming over Saint Irene, axe raised... the skulls scattered about. The whole scene is imbued with a peculiar sense of dread. Curator: Indeed. Callot, who lived from 1592 to 1635, had a way of capturing the horrors of his time. Notice how he uses the etching technique to create very fine, detailed lines, which really enhances the drama. Editor: It's almost journalistic. One can't help but think of the power dynamics here, of the systemic violence against women and religious minorities so rampant then—and now. Curator: Absolutely. Though small in scale, it encapsulates profound themes of faith, persecution, and resilience. It's hard to look away. Editor: It is. It's a chilling reminder that history always echoes into the present. Thank you for sharing.