Who painted Man Scraping a Grill?

Man Scraping a Grill was painted by Jacques Callot in 1622.

Where can I see Man Scraping a Grill?

Man Scraping a Grill is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Man Scraping a Grill?

Man Scraping a Grill is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Man Scraping a Grill

Jacques Callot , 1622

Man Scraping a Grill is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1622 by the French baroque printmaker Jacques Callot, this work is an etching and engraving on a sheet of Lorrainese paper. It forms one of a quartet of images that were originally printed on a single, uncut sheet, illustrating Callot’s prolific output in the early seventeenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a solitary figure bent over a metal grill, using a long tool to scrape it clean. Dressed in a hat, loose shirt, trousers and a shoulder‑bag, the man is rendered in profile with his gaze turned slightly toward the viewer, emphasizing concentration on a mundane labor.

Technique & Style

Callot combines etching’s fine line work with engraving’s deeper incisions, producing a dense network of lines that model texture and depth. The meticulous hatching creates a realistic surface quality on the grill and the figure’s clothing, characteristic of his detailed, narrative approach.

History & Provenance

The print is catalogued as item 1949.5.260.a‑d in the museum’s collection, indicating its acquisition as part of a larger group of four prints on the same sheet. Its provenance traces back to Callot’s workshop in Lorraine, where he produced over 1,400 prints documenting everyday life.

Context

During the early 1620s Callot was active in the Duchy of Lorraine, a region that fostered a vibrant print culture. His works often recorded ordinary occupations and street scenes, offering a visual record of contemporary society alongside more elaborate courtly and military subjects.