Saint Fausta and Evilasia c. 17th century

Editor: This etching, "Saint Fausta and Evilasia" by Jacques Callot, depicts a rather gruesome scene. The central figure is being sawed in half! How would you interpret this work, given its historical context? Curator: Callot's work often reflects the political and religious turmoil of his time. This print, likely part of a series on martyrdom, presents a saint's unwavering faith in the face of brutal persecution. How do you think such imagery functioned within a society grappling with religious conflict? Editor: It’s chilling to think this was meant to inspire devotion, or perhaps warn against heresy. I hadn't considered the socio-political impact of religious art this way. Curator: It's a stark reminder that art is rarely neutral; it often serves powerful social and political functions.