Who painted Lady in a Large Coat?

Lady in a Large Coat was painted by Jacques Callot in 1617.

Where can I see Lady in a Large Coat?

Lady in a Large Coat is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lady in a Large Coat?

Lady in a Large Coat is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Lady in a Large Coat

Jacques Callot , 1617

Lady in a Large Coat 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

Created circa 1617 by the French printmaker Jacques Callot, this work is an etching executed on laid paper. It presents two women clad in long, voluminous coats with exaggerated sleeves, their low-set hats framing the heavy drapery. The composition emphasizes the silhouette of the garments rather than facial detail, offering a concise study of contemporary dress.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a moment of everyday attire, focusing on the fashion of the early seventeenth‑century. By portraying two similarly dressed figures, Callot highlights the social presence of women in public spaces, while the lack of narrative context suggests an interest in documenting clothing styles rather than telling a specific story.

Technique & Style

Callot employed the etching process, incising lines into a metal plate that hold ink and produce fine, high‑contrast marks when pressed onto paper. The drawing relies on clear, controlled lines to delineate the coats’ folds and sleeves, a method common in period fashion studies. The simplicity of the background directs attention to the texture and structure of the garments.

History & Provenance

Part of Callot’s extensive oeuvre of more than a thousand prints, this piece reflects his broader engagement with scenes of contemporary life. Produced in the Duchy of Lorraine, the print circulated among collectors interested in both artistic skill and visual records of early modern dress, contributing to Callot’s reputation as a chronicler of his age.