Who painted Coins [plate 5]?

Coins [plate 5] was painted by Jacques Callot in 1630.

Where can I see Coins [plate 5]?

Coins [plate 5] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Coins [plate 5]?

Coins [plate 5] is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Coins [plate 5]

Jacques Callot , 1630

Coins [plate 5] is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Each circle looks like a coin or medal, with different symbols inside: crowns, shields, eagles, and people in armor or robes.

This image shows a sheet of 16 small circular designs, all linked by curved lines. Each circle looks like a coin or medal, with different symbols inside: crowns, shields, eagles, and people in armor or robes. Some have dates like 1621 or 1645, and all are drawn in black lines on a light background.

The artist used tiny, precise lines to create details like feathers, armor plates, and text. These designs were meant to look like official seals or coins, but they’re actually drawn, not struck metal.

Next, check out how etching works to see how artists like Callot made these sharp lines.

Overview

Coins [plate 5] is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1630. This print features a composition of 16 small, circular designs linked by curved lines, mimicking coins or medals with varied symbols.

Subject & Meaning

The subject matter consists of symbolic elements such as crowns, shields, eagles, and figures in armor or robes, alongside specific dates. These designs emulate official seals or coins, reflecting Callot's interest in documenting contemporary motifs and possibly commenting on the currency of power and identity.

Technique & Style

Callot employed etching to achieve precise, tiny lines, evident in detailed renderings of feathers, armor, and text. His skill in printmaking is showcased through the uniformity and clarity of the 16 interconnected designs on a light background.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1630 by Jacques Callot, a prolific French baroque printmaker from Lorraine, this work is part of his extensive output of over 1,400 etchings. The specific provenance of *Coins [plate 5]* is not detailed here, but it aligns with Callot's thematic focus on everyday and marginalized figures, albeit through symbolic rather than direct representation.

Context

Within Callot's oeuvre, *Coins [plate 5]* sits alongside works depicting soldiers, beggars, and court scenes, set against detailed landscapes. This piece, however, focuses on symbolic, potentially satirical, representations of power and status.