Saint Urban c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Urban," a small yet powerful etching. The composition is immediately striking—a figure being scourged dominates the center. Editor: My eye is drawn to that halo; it's so delicate against the brutality of the scene. And that small crown resting near Urban's feet—what does that represent? Curator: That’s likely a papal tiara, connecting the Saint to his role as Pope. The scourging is meant to convey his martyrdom, reflecting a broader history of persecution against religious figures and communities. Editor: Indeed, the implements of torture, and even the dress of the tormentors, feel rooted in historical narratives of dominance and control. It's a stark reminder of power dynamics. Curator: Callot’s work prompts a deep meditation on how power operates through violence. Editor: It certainly leaves you contemplating the enduring presence of these themes throughout history.