Artwork

Christ Walking on the Water [second plate]

Christ Walking on the Water [second plate], by Jacques Callot, ink, 1610
Christ Walking on the Water [second plate], by Jacques Callot, ink, 1610

Christ Walking on the Water [second plate] is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ Walking on the Water [second plate] is a 1610 engraving on laid paper by Jacques Callot, a prominent French Baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving illustrates a pivotal religious moment: Jesus walking on water, with Peter struggling in the nearby turbulent waves, conveying a scene of faith and miracle.

Technique & Style

Callot employed fine lines and cross-hatching to achieve nuanced light and shadow, imparting depth to the image, particularly evident in the realistically rendered, twisting waves.

History & Provenance

Created in 1610, the work is part of Callot's significant contributions to old master printmaking, reflecting his expertise in both religious and contemporary life themes. Currently, it is housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Context

This engraving sits within Callot's broader oeuvre of religious genre works and etchings of his time, showcasing his ability to balance the sacred with meticulous, realistic detail.

Legacy

As one of Callot's works, it contributes to his legacy as a developer of Baroque printmaking techniques, influencing the evolution of European print art in the 17th century.

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.