Jesus Walks on the Water, Supporting Saint Peter c. 17th century

Curator: Jacques Callot's "Jesus Walks on the Water, Supporting Saint Peter," presents a pivotal biblical moment. The dense crosshatching evokes a turbulent sea, with divine light piercing the darkness. Editor: The dramatic chiaroscuro really strikes me. Peter's desperate reach towards Christ speaks volumes about faith, doubt, and the human desire for connection amidst chaos. Is it really faith if you're being helped? Curator: Callot, working in the 17th century, operated within a society grappling with religious and political upheaval. The print circulated widely, reinforcing the Church's authority but also resonating with individual struggles of faith. Editor: I agree. This image transcends mere religious iconography, doesn't it? It speaks to universal anxieties around societal power, perhaps even echoing contemporary questions about who gets "saved" and who is left to flounder. Curator: Indeed, it's a fascinating glimpse into the visual culture of its time. Editor: A perspective that certainly broadens my view of the work.