Artwork

Eagle Losing an Old Feather

Eagle Losing an Old Feather, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1628
Eagle Losing an Old Feather, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1628

Eagle Losing an Old Feather is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The use of lines and shading creates a sense of texture and depth, adding to the overall visual interest of the image.

The image depicts a bird in mid-air, with its wings spread wide and its beak open. The bird appears to be losing a feather, which is falling from its body. In the background, there is a landscape with rolling hills and a few buildings.

The bird is the main focus of the image, and its movement is captured in a dynamic and expressive way. The use of lines and shading creates a sense of texture and depth, adding to the overall visual interest of the image.

The image is an etching on laid paper, created by Jacques Callot in 1628. It is part of the Baroque movement and is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington. To learn more about this style, explore the technique of etching.

Overview

Eagle Losing an Old Feather is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot in 1628. It is a representative work of the Baroque period and showcases Callot's skill as a printmaker.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an eagle in flight, shedding a feather, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and buildings. The dynamic pose of the bird is the primary focus, conveying a sense of movement and energy.

Technique & Style

The etching demonstrates Callot's mastery of linework and shading, which creates texture and depth. The use of etching techniques allows for detailed rendering of the eagle and its surroundings, characteristic of Callot's meticulous style.

History & Provenance

Created in 1628 by Jacques Callot, a prolific French printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine, the work is now held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington. It is part of Callot's extensive oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings.

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.