Saint Galbertus c. 17th century

Curator: Jacques Callot's tiny etching, "Saint Galbertus," conjures such an outsized sense of reverence in me. Editor: My eyes immediately jump to the stark lines—the material cost of this print must have been quite low, yet it represents enormous spiritual wealth. Curator: I can almost feel Galbertus's desperate plea as he kneels, arms outstretched, toward the crucified figure hovering above. It’s like a window into his soul. Editor: That figure is eerily weightless, defying gravity. The process Callot used allowed for such intricate details, but also speaks to a kind of mass production of religious imagery. Curator: It's a paradox, isn't it? Mass-produced piety. But isn't all faith, in a way, a shared experience, made tangible through imagery? Editor: Perhaps. It certainly makes me think about the economics of faith during Callot's time. Curator: It makes me think about longing. Editor: And I'm left contemplating access and ownership.