Artwork

Lady with Large Plumes, and Two Gentlemen

Lady with Large Plumes, and Two Gentlemen, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1634
Lady with Large Plumes, and Two Gentlemen, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1634

Lady with Large Plumes, and Two Gentlemen is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Lady with Large Plumes, and Two Gentlemen is a circa 1634 etching on laid paper by Jacques Callot, a prolific French Baroque printmaker from Lorraine, known for capturing contemporary life through over 1,400 works.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts three figures in period attire: a central woman with a voluminous wig and loose dress, flanked by two men in tall hats and wide sleeves, one of whom holds an unspecified object in his left hand. The scene reflects the manners and fashion of the time.

Technique & Style

Characterized by simple, quick lines reminiscent of a sketch, the work exemplifies Callot's etching technique. This involved scratching designs into metal plates, a common method in the 1600s for producing prints.

History & Provenance

Created around 1634, the etching is part of Callot's extensive body of work documenting 17th-century life, including courtly, military, and social subjects. Specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.

Context

This work sits within Callot's broader practice of juxtaposing detailed figures against expansive landscapes, though the landscape element is not emphasized in this particular piece. It captures the essence of Baroque-era social portraiture.

Legacy

As part of Callot's vast oeuvre, *Lady with Large Plumes, and Two Gentlemen* contributes to the artist's lasting impact on Baroque printmaking, showcasing his ability to document and reflect the society of his time through accessible, detailed 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.