Saint Richard c. 17th century

Curator: Jacques Callot's tiny print, "Saint Richard," part of a series depicting the saints of each day, presents a saintly figure laboring in the fields. The fine lines create a luminous, almost otherworldly scene. Editor: My first impression is how grounded he seems despite the halo. He’s toiling, part of the rural world, not separate from it. Is that meant to challenge our traditional view of sainthood? Curator: Possibly. Note how the oxen are rendered. They seem like allegorical figures of burden, pulling forward, even as the Saint guides the plough. The sun shines on all, even those who work the land. Editor: It’s intriguing to see him manual labor celebrated in this devotional context. In a way, it humanizes a figure often distanced from everyday experiences. Curator: Indeed, and recall that images were meant to be read. The sun, the oxen, the labor, the figures in the distance—they all contribute to a cohesive narrative of humility and faith. Editor: So, Callot uses established religious iconography to elevate the dignity of ordinary labor, giving this image continued resonance even today.