Saint John Chrysostom c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint John Chrysostom," a diminutive etching held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a claustrophobic quality to it despite the outdoor setting. The figures seem hemmed in by the architecture, and the oval frame makes it feel like a contained world. Curator: Callot, active in the early 17th century, captures Chrysostom, a Doctor of the Church, possibly being barred from entering a sacred space. The etching process allowed for detailed narratives to circulate widely. Editor: The barring itself is compelling. Hands outstretched, almost beseeching, yet there's a subtle resistance, a denial of entry which carries its own weight. What does it signal about the politics of the church itself at this historical moment? Curator: The image likely reflects contemporary religious tensions and the ongoing debates about church authority and access, and is a powerful piece of Catholic art from the period. Editor: The tension between divine space and earthly power really comes through. There’s an undeniable emotional depth packed into this miniature scene.