Saint Euphrasia c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Saint Euphrasia," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. The print is rather small, about 7.6 by 4.9 centimeters. Editor: It’s striking how much detail Callot packed into such a small space. The lines create such stark contrast. Curator: Callot was a master printmaker, and this piece reflects the period's fascination with religious iconography, portraying Euphrasia, a saint known for rejecting marriage for a life of piety. Editor: I'm intrigued by the way the etching emphasizes the materiality of her faith, down to the defeated devil at her feet. You can almost feel the weight of her commitment. Curator: Indeed, the image participates in a larger cultural narrative, reinforcing the Church's ideals of female virtue and the triumph over temptation. Editor: And through the labor-intensive process of etching, the very act of creation mirrors the saint’s dedication. Quite thought-provoking.