Artwork

Dying Soldiers by the Roadside

Dying Soldiers by the Roadside, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1633
Dying Soldiers by the Roadside, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1633

Dying Soldiers by the Roadside is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Dying Soldiers by the Roadside is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1633. It is one of over 1,400 etchings produced by the artist, a French printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a street with civilians going about their daily business amidst the presence of dead and injured soldiers. The accompanying French text at the bottom of the print comments on the soldiers' misfortune, adding a layer of narrative to the image.

Technique & Style

The etching showcases Callot's skill in creating detailed scenes with fine lines, capturing the textures of clothing and the expressions of figures. The technique of etching allowed for the production of sharp, precise lines, characteristic of Callot's work.

Context

The print is part of Callot's broader documentation of military life and contemporary society through his art, often featuring soldiers and battlefields set against detailed landscapes.

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.