Saint Peter Preacher c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot’s "Saint Peter Preacher," held at the Harvard Art Museums. It measures about 7.6 by 4.9 cm. Editor: It's so small! And chilling – the stark contrast between the fleeing figure and the sword-wielding attacker makes it quite dramatic. Curator: Absolutely. Callot was known for his printmaking, capturing the realities of 17th-century life. The image relates to the Martyrdom Order of Saint Peter. Editor: Thinking about Callot's process—the labor involved in such detailed etching on this scale—really brings home the intensity of the scene. The material fragility contrasts sharply with the violent subject. Curator: And it’s worth considering how these images circulated, shaping perceptions of religious figures and events in the public imagination. Editor: This piece really highlights how the act of creation and its dissemination are intricately linked to the stories we tell and how we consume them. Curator: Indeed. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest of objects can carry immense social and historical weight. Editor: Looking at Callot's meticulous rendering, I see how his technical mastery amplifies the human drama.