Who painted Officer with Large Plume, Front View?

Officer with Large Plume, Front View was painted by Jacques Callot in 1622.

Where can I see Officer with Large Plume, Front View?

Officer with Large Plume, Front View is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Officer with Large Plume, Front View?

Officer with Large Plume, Front View is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Officer with Large Plume, Front View

Jacques Callot , 1622

Officer with Large Plume, Front View 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. Created in 1622, this front‑view etching on laid paper presents a soldier in full dress, distinguished by a large feathered plume.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1622, this front‑view etching on laid paper presents a soldier in full dress, distinguished by a large feathered plume. The figure stands centrally, rendered with the precise line work typical of early 17th‑century French printmaking, and exemplifies the artist’s interest in portraying contemporary military attire.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on a single officer, his elaborate hat, puffed sleeves and flowing cloak indicating rank and fashion of the period. The poised stance and forward‑facing pose suggest a formal presentation, reflecting the era’s fascination with martial pageantry and the social status conveyed by such uniforms.

Technique & Style

Executed by etching, the image was incised onto a copper plate and printed on laid paper, allowing for fine, controlled lines and subtle tonal variations. The artist’s baroque sensibility appears in the dynamic rendering of textures—feathers, fabric folds, and facial hair—while maintaining a clear, almost documentary clarity.

History & Provenance

The work belongs to the prolific output of Jacques Callot, a Lorraine‑born printmaker whose career produced more than fourteen hundred etchings. Known for chronicling military, religious and everyday scenes, Callot’s prints circulated widely across Europe, influencing later generations of graphic artists.