Artwork
King and Queen in Consultation about the Turks [recto]
![King and Queen in Consultation about the Turks [recto], by Jacques Callot, ink, 1612](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jacques-callot--king-and-queen-in-consultation-about-the-turks-recto--5b03792b86815455-w1024.webp)
King and Queen in Consultation about the Turks [recto] is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
King and Queen in Consultation about the Turks is a 1612 etching on laid paper by French baroque artist Jacques Callot, depicting a monarchal consultation amidst military presence.
Subject & Meaning
The etching shows a king and queen in formal attire, engaged in discussion, flanked by attendants and with military elements (drum, spears) visible in the background, reflecting period concerns with rulership and military affairs.
Technique & Style
Callot employed fine etching techniques to achieve intricate lines, shading, and depth. The formal composition centers on the regal pair, with meticulous rendering of textures and details characteristic of his style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1612, this work is part of Callot's prolific output (over 1,400 etchings) documenting 17th-century life, including military, court, and social themes.
Context
Reflecting early 17th-century European anxieties, the work alludes to interactions between rulers and military threats, possibly referencing Ottoman Turkish expansions of the time.
Legacy
As part of Callot's extensive oeuvre, this etching contributes to the historical record of baroque printmaking, showcasing his ability to capture contemporary themes through detailed, expressive etching.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.







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