Artwork
Descent from the Cross

Descent from the Cross is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Descent from the Cross is an etching on laid paper created by French baroque artist Jacques Callot around 1631. Characteristic of Callot's prolific output, this work showcases his technical skill and compositional approach.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a dramatic scene of the Descent from the Cross, with a naked figure on the cross surrounded by a crowd of mourners, onlookers, and attendants, conveying a sense of urgency and sorrow through expressive faces and gestures.
Technique & Style
Callot's mastery of etching is evident in the sharp, dynamic lines that capture the intensity of the scene. His composition balances detailed figures with a bustling landscape background, a distinctive feature of his style.
History & Provenance
Part of Callot's extensive religious imagery, this etching is one of over 1,400 works by the artist, who also documented aspects of 17th-century life beyond religious themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.







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