Last Supper c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Last Supper," a striking etching currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The first thing that jumps out is the intricacy, given its small scale. It feels almost gothic, with that heavy architectural frame looming over the scene. Curator: Absolutely, the context is crucial. Callot created these prints amidst religious and political upheavals in 17th-century Europe; prints like these were readily available to the public and shaped views on faith. Editor: And look at the way the light emanates from Christ; it draws the eye but also emphasizes the material: the ink, the paper, the very process of etching used to convey that divine moment. Curator: Precisely, he uses the readily available medium to convey sacred events, and that has a social impact. Editor: It's a powerful reminder of how art can democratize access to powerful narratives through accessible production. Curator: Indeed, it offers a lens into understanding the power of imagery in the 17th century. Editor: This little etching really makes you think about the big picture.