Artwork

Gentleman Viewed from the Front with Hand on Hip

Gentleman Viewed from the Front with Hand on Hip, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1617
Gentleman Viewed from the Front with Hand on Hip, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1617

Gentleman Viewed from the Front with Hand on Hip is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Gentleman Viewed from the Front with Hand on Hip is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1617. It is one of over 1,400 etchings produced by the French artist, who was known for his detailed and precise renderings of figures and scenes from everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts two elegantly dressed men posing in a manner that suggests they are displaying their finery. Their attire, complete with feathered hats and ornate clothing, conveys a sense of wealth, although their poses also introduce a hint of dishevelment.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Callot's skill with etching, a technique involving scratching designs into metal plates, which are then inked to produce the printed image. The resulting lines are characterized by their precision and a slightly rough texture, capturing the figures with a sense of immediacy.

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.