Saint Mary Cleophea c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Saint Mary Cleophea," a small etching. The detail achieved with such fine lines is striking. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Considering Callot's time, think about the materials—the copper plate, the acids used for etching. This print demonstrates skilled labor but also speaks to the burgeoning print market and wider access to religious imagery. Editor: So it's less about the spiritual and more about production? Curator: Not exclusively, but understanding the economic and social context of its creation is vital. The mass production of prints democratized art but also transformed it into a commodity. Interesting food for thought.