Saint Vultmar c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Vultmar," a small etching held at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm immediately drawn to the scene's starkness despite the fine lines. Editor: It’s a testament to the power of simple materials! Look at the textures he creates with just lines. This speaks to the value placed on skilled handiwork. Curator: Indeed. We see Saint Vultmar receiving alms from a peasant—a potent symbol of social stratification and the church's role. The date "Juni" suggests a connection to a seasonal religious observance perhaps? Editor: It highlights the power dynamics inherent in acts of charity. And it makes you wonder about the conditions that necessitate this transaction, the labor of the peasant versus the Saint's privilege. Curator: Callot's technique elevates the mundane into something deeply resonant. A humble etching, yet it makes you think about the social structures of the time. Editor: Agreed. It's a small piece, but it's brimming with a history of class and faith.