Artwork

Elevation of the Chapel of the Invention of the Cross

Elevation of the Chapel of the Invention of the Cross, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1619
Elevation of the Chapel of the Invention of the Cross, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1619

Elevation of the Chapel of the Invention of the Cross is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1619 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Elevation of the Chapel of the Invention of the Cross is a 1619 print by Jacques Callot, created using etching and engraving techniques on laid paper. This work exemplifies Callot's detailed documentation of architectural and religious subjects, characteristic of his prolific output of over 1,400 etchings.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a church's architectural plan, combining a floor plan with a front view. Labeled elements include the Chapel of the Invention of the Cross, a staircase to the Calvary, and other structural details, suggesting its use in planning or recording building designs.

Technique & Style

Callot employed etching and engraving to produce this print, showcasing his mastery of these techniques. The result is a precise, detailed rendering of architectural elements, reflecting the Baroque attention to detail and the development of old master prints.

History & Provenance

Originally created in 1619, this version is a restrike, indicating it was printed from the original plates at a later time. Callot's work, including this piece, contributed significantly to the evolution of European printmaking.

Context

As a French Baroque printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine, Callot's work reflects the period's artistic values. This print, with its religious and architectural themes, sits alongside his broader documentation of contemporary life, from the mundane to the sacred.

Legacy

Elevation of the Chapel... contributes to Callot's legacy as a pivotal figure in the development of old master prints. His extensive body of work, including this detailed architectural print, influenced subsequent generations of printmakers and artists.

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.