Peasant Holding a Goblet c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Peasant Holding a Goblet," a small etching. It feels like a study of character, but I wonder, what was Callot trying to say about the role of the peasant in society with this image? Curator: That's a great question. Callot often depicted scenes of everyday life, sometimes bordering on caricature. How do these depictions influence the perception and treatment of the lower classes in 17th century Europe? Editor: So, art could shape social attitudes? I hadn't thought of it that way. Curator: Absolutely. Callot’s images, circulated widely, helped define visual stereotypes and, consequently, social realities. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about regarding the power of representation. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, how art shapes society is a continuing question.