Discovery of the Body of Saint Stephen c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Discovery of the Body of Saint Stephen," an etching, I guess, given the fine lines. It's quite small, and the mood feels solemn. What strikes you about this image? Curator: It's interesting how Callot uses such delicate lines to depict a scene of discovery, almost like uncovering a secret. Notice how the figure on the left, with staff in hand, seems to bridge the earthly and the divine. Perhaps they are pointing not just to a body but to a revelation? What do you think? Editor: I hadn’t considered the “revelation” aspect. It’s as if the space is charged with a sense of uncovering something sacred, not just morbid. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! It makes you ponder, doesn't it, how such a small artwork can contain such a profound sense of mystery.