Saint Moses c. 17th century

Editor: This small etching is Jacques Callot's *Saint Moses*. The figure of Moses, holding the tablets, seems radiant. What cultural significance do you see embedded in this image? Curator: Note the horns. This imagery stems from a mistranslation of the Hebrew word for "radiance." Over time, these horns became a powerful symbol of Moses's divine encounter, a visual echo of authority and law. Editor: So, the horns aren't literal, but symbolic of divine power? Curator: Precisely. Callot uses this established visual language to immediately convey Moses's role as a lawgiver and his connection to the divine. It's a fascinating example of how images carry layers of meaning. Editor: It is interesting to consider how a misunderstanding can become such a potent symbol. Curator: Indeed, visual symbols carry unexpected cultural weight and meaning.