Artwork

Boarding of the Bertone

Boarding of the Bertone, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1617
Boarding of the Bertone, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1617

Boarding of the Bertone is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Boarding of the Bertone is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot in 1617. It showcases the artist's expertise in printmaking, characterized by intricate detail and complex compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a naval scene where a larger ship is being boarded by smaller vessels. The chaotic atmosphere is conveyed through tangled sails and crashing waves. Inscriptions on the print identify the ships and the battle being represented.

Technique & Style

Callot employed sharp lines to capture the turmoil of the sea battle, demonstrating his technical skill in etching. The work exemplifies his ability to balance narrative detail with precision, a hallmark of his style during the Baroque period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.