Artwork

Officer with Plume, Seen from Behind

Officer with Plume, Seen from Behind, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622
Officer with Plume, Seen from Behind, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622

Officer with Plume, Seen from Behind 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

Officer with Plume, Seen from Behind is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot in 1622. It is one of over 1,400 etchings produced by the artist, a prolific French printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a man viewed from behind, dressed in 17th-century attire with a sword and a hat adorned with a plume. The figure is set against a background with less detailed additional figures, drawing attention to the central character.

Technique & Style

Callot's work is characterized by precise detail and a focus on both figures and their surroundings. The etching showcases his skill in capturing the nuances of his subjects and their environments.

Context

The print is part of Callot's broader documentation of military life, courtly events, and society during his time, reflecting his interest in capturing various aspects of the world around him.

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.