Saint Isidore c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Isidore," an etching from around the 17th century. It's so tiny! The detail is incredible. How would you interpret this within its historical context? Curator: Callot worked during a time of religious and political upheaval. Prints like these weren't just devotional objects; they circulated ideas, reinforcing Catholic identity. Notice the saint's humble pose, the emphasis on prayer—how might this image function in shaping public piety? Editor: So, it's not just art, it's propaganda? Curator: Well, it’s visual rhetoric. It participates in constructing meaning and influencing behavior, very much like political imagery today. What do you make of the choice to depict the saint outdoors? Editor: It shows the saint’s connection to both God and nature. I hadn’t thought about the politics of imagery. Curator: Exactly! These prints were instrumental in shaping cultural and religious identities.