Artwork
Frontispiece for Callot's "The New Testament"
Frontispiece for Callot's "The New Testament" is an ink print by the Baroque artist Abraham Bosse. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The text mentions a "New Testament" made by someone named Callot, but the artist here is actually Abraham Bosse.
This image is a black-and-white etched design with swirling, ornate lines framing a text block. The border looks like vines and leaves, with small faces peeking out from the curls. Inside, French words fill the center, surrounded by a wavy, decorative circle.
The text mentions a "New Testament" made by someone named Callot, but the artist here is actually Abraham Bosse. The year 1635 is written at the bottom, and the name "Paris" appears too.
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Overview
This etching by Abraham Bosse served as the frontispiece for Jacques Callot's 'The New Testament'. Created in 1635, it features an ornate design with a central text block.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Bosse's skill with etching, a medium he frequently used. The image is characterized by intricate, swirling lines that form a border resembling vines and leaves, with small faces emerging from the foliage.
Subject & Meaning
The frontispiece likely contains symbolic imagery related to the biblical text it precedes. The central text block, surrounded by a decorative circle, is written in French and references 'The New Testament' by Callot.
History & Provenance
The etching is dated 1635 and indicates it was created in Paris. Bosse, a French printmaker, was commissioned to produce this work for Callot's publication.
Artist & collection
Artist
Abraham Bosse (c. 1604 – 14 February 1676) was a French artist, mainly as a printmaker in etching, but also in watercolour.
