Saint Eleutherius c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have Jacques Callot’s “Saint Eleutherius,” a small etching currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The scene is quite stark; I'm immediately drawn to the central figure seemingly tormented by what appears to be… a broken branch? Curator: Indeed. Callot was a master of etching, and that lends a dramatic flair to this portrayal of Saint Eleutherius, known for his role as an abbot. It suggests the kind of miraculous healing associated with saints. Editor: The symbolism is rich. The branch, while broken, might represent spiritual restoration or perhaps the struggle between good and evil. Is it meant to suggest Eleutherius is freeing him from evil, perhaps? Curator: That's a compelling interpretation. Callot’s work often reflects the socio-religious climate, showing us the role of faith in everyday life. Editor: Thinking about the long shadow of faith and its impact on the visual arts only reinforces that. Curator: And the power of visual storytelling, particularly in a small, accessible format like an etching, shouldn't be underestimated.