Artwork

Drill with Raised Pikes

Drill with Raised Pikes, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1634
Drill with Raised Pikes, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1634

Drill with Raised Pikes is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Drill with Raised Pikes is a 1634 etching on laid paper by Jacques Callot, a prolific French Baroque printmaker and draftsman from Lorraine, known for documenting military, religious, and societal themes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three armored men in a line, each holding a pike at varying heights, highlighting military discipline and equipment of the early 17th century.

Technique & Style

Callot's etching showcases his meticulous attention to detail, evident in the rendered armor plates, straps, and pike nuances, set against a plain background emphasizing the figures.

History & Provenance

Created in 1634, this work is part of Callot's extensive oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings, characteristic of his focus on capturing contemporary military life.

Context

Reflecting the artist's penchant for military themes, Drill with Raised Pikes situates itself within Callot's broader documentation of 17th-century European society and warfare.

Legacy

As a typical example of Callot's military etchings, the work contributes to his lasting influence on Baroque printmaking, particularly in the detailed portrayal of human activity and military life.

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.