Saint Peter of Alexandria c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's tiny etching, "Saint Peter of Alexandria." It’s amazing how much detail he packed into such a small space! I’m curious about its social impact. What role would an image like this have played in its time? Curator: Consider the Counter-Reformation. Prints like these circulated widely, reinforcing Catholic imagery against the rising tide of Protestantism. This isn't just a devotional image; it's a piece of religious propaganda, a tool for shaping public belief. How does knowing that change your perspective? Editor: That context really shifts my understanding. It's no longer just a quaint religious scene, but a statement in a larger power struggle. Curator: Exactly. Art often serves purposes beyond aesthetics. This etching highlights the complex interplay between art, religion, and political power.