Saint Concordia c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's small etching, Saint Concordia. It depicts a saint's martyrdom, and it's quite striking in its violence. How should we interpret this scene? Curator: Well, consider the historical context. Callot lived during a period of intense religious conflict. Representations of female saints being martyred are more about power than piety. Who gets to tell these stories? And who benefits from them? Editor: So, you're saying it's not just a religious image but a reflection of patriarchal power structures? Curator: Precisely. It's about controlling narratives around female bodies and religious authority. What does the artistic style contribute to this message? Editor: I never considered it that way. It really changes how I see the piece. Curator: Exactly, art is never neutral.