S. Tiburce et S. Valérian (St. Tiburtius and St. Valerian), April 14th, from "Les Images De Tous Les Saincts et Saintes de L'Année" (Images of All of the Saints and Religious Events of the Year)

Art Historical Context

**S. Tiburce et S. Valérian (St. Tiburtius and St. Valerian)** etched in 1636 by the French artist Jacques Callot and published by Israël Henriet, is a gem from the series *Les Images De Tous Lescts et Saintes de'Année*—a comprehensive calendar of saints and religious events. This tiny print, measuring just 2 9/16 x 1 15/16 inches, captures the martyrdom of these early Christian brothers, Roman saints revered for their faith during persecutions. Dated April 14th, it reflects the Counter-Reformation era's fervor, when such devotional images proliferated to inspire piety among the faithful. Callot, a master etcher celebrated for his intricate line work and ability to convey drama in miniature formats, produced this as the second state of two—indicating refinements like added details or publisher's marks (as cataloged by Lieure). Etching allowed for his signature precision, rendering expressive figures and symbolic elements in a compact space ideal for personal prayer books or altars. Henriet's involvement ensured wide distribution, making sacred art accessible beyond grand cathedrals. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (purchased via the Joseph Pulitzer Bequest in 1917), this work exemplifies 17th-century printmaking's role in popularizing hagiography. Its small scale belies its cultural weight, inviting visitors to ponder the enduring allure of saints' stories in everyday devotion.

About the Artist

Jacques Callot|Israël Henriet · 1592–1635

Jacques Callot (1592–1635) was a French printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine, widely regarded as one of the first great artists to practice the graphic arts exclusively. His more than 1,400 etchings chronicled the breadth of 17th-century life, from Medici court festivities to the brutal realities of warfare. Callot revolutionized etching through technical innovations including the é...