Saint Januarius c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Saint Januarius," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small but striking piece. Editor: It feels like a fleeting memory, doesn't it? Januarius emerging from the depths of time with that palm frond, looking rather disheveled. Curator: The palm is indeed a symbol of martyrdom. Januarius, the patron saint of Naples, lived a life of faith and faced persecution for it. The image echoes early Christian iconography. Editor: And that halo, slightly off-kilter, adds to the raw feel. I wonder what stories his eyes could tell. Curator: It speaks to the power of faith and its enduring legacy, even through the passage of time. Editor: Yes, there's a vulnerability there that makes the saint all the more human. Curator: These glimpses remind us that symbols evolve, but their underlying messages remain powerful. Editor: A powerful piece and a humble reminder that we’re all just stories unfolding.