Saints Cyprian and Justina c. 17th century

Curator: The graphic quality immediately strikes me. The stark black lines against the white paper create a dramatic effect. Editor: Indeed. This is Jacques Callot's "Saints Cyprian and Justina," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Callot, born in 1592, was a master of etching. Curator: And you can see that mastery in the details. The rendering of the flames, the textures of the clothing...it speaks to the skilled labor involved. Editor: It does. Consider the historical context: Callot produced many prints for the court. This piece, devotional in nature, points to the Church's role as a patron of the arts. Curator: Looking at the materials, etching allowed for multiple reproductions. It democratizes the image, making it more accessible. Editor: Exactly. These images circulated widely, influencing popular piety. Note how the imagery reinforces the power of faith against evil. Curator: The materiality underscores its social function, its role in shaping belief. Editor: A truly compelling piece, when seen through a historical and social lens. Curator: It's remarkable how much information is packed into such a small, precisely crafted work.