St. Peter Celestine 1632 - 1685

Editor: Here we have an engraving of *St. Peter Celestine*, made sometime between 1632 and 1685 by Conrad Lauwers. The figure's heavy robes give the work a real sense of weight and solemnity. What do you see in it? Curator: You know, it's funny, the first thing I notice is the detail. The texture in the robes and even the suggestion of light… almost photographic in a way, centuries before photography. It speaks to me of meticulous care and observation, as if Lauwers were trying to capture not just an image of Celestine, but something of his essence. Doesn't it make you wonder about the hours, the sheer dedication that went into this? Editor: It does. It also makes me wonder about St. Peter Celestine himself. Is there something about him that makes him a subject worthy of such dedicated work? Curator: Ah, there’s the rub! Celestine V, a rather…unconventional pope, shall we say. A hermit who reluctantly took the papal throne, only to abdicate a few months later. Think about that choice -power versus peace. I think Lauwers may have seen in him a rejection of worldly ambition. What a potent thing to immortalize! Editor: So the engraving isn't just a portrait, it’s making a statement about… humility, maybe? Curator: Exactly! And about choice. The Keys of Heaven in one hand, the choice to leave it all behind in the other...or at least the suggestion of that through what he’s holding. Beautiful, isn't it? What began as solemn now sings to us. Editor: Definitely makes me see it differently. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure, that is the beautiful part about art - learning and seeing something new!