Saint Simeon the Old c. 17th century

Curator: This etching by Jacques Callot depicts "Saint Simeon the Old." It's a small piece, only about 3 inches tall. Editor: It feels very intimate, like a captured moment in a story. The lines are so delicate, almost whispered. What's striking is the radiating light from the Christ child, right? Curator: Absolutely. Simeon is a symbol of patience and faith. He was promised he wouldn't die until he saw the Messiah. The architecture in the background echoes the old order, now transformed by this encounter. Editor: It's a powerful juxtaposition of the old and new. But there is some darkness in the composition, as if the future isn't entirely certain, a tension remains. Curator: That tension could reflect the prophecy Simeon receives, foretelling both salvation and sorrow for the child and his mother. Editor: The weight of destiny etched into every line. It's amazing how much emotion Callot packed into such a tiny space.