Who painted Peasant Attacked by Bees?

Peasant Attacked by Bees was painted by Jacques Callot in 1617.

Where can I see Peasant Attacked by Bees?

Peasant Attacked by Bees is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Peasant Attacked by Bees?

Peasant Attacked by Bees is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Peasant Attacked by Bees

Jacques Callot , 1617

Peasant Attacked by Bees 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

Peasant Attacked by Bees is an etching on laid paper created by French baroque printmaker Jacques Callot around 1617. Characteristic of his prolific output, the work captures a vivid, detailed moment from everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a peasant, clad in a long robe and hat, beset by a swarm of bees, with a dog by his side. The scene conveys chaos and turmoil, potentially reflecting the unpredictabilities of rural life during Callot's time.

Technique & Style

Callot's etching technique imbues the scene with depth and texture, drawing attention to intricate details. The composition balances the intense, dynamic foreground with a serene, expansive landscape background.

History & Provenance

Part of Callot's extensive oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings, this work is one of many documenting 17th-century social and military realities. Specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.

Context

Created in the Duchy of Lorraine, the etching sits within Callot's broader catalog of prints depicting contemporary life, including scenes of soldiers, beggars, and courtly/religious subjects.

Legacy

As with much of Callot's work, *Peasant Attacked by Bees* contributes to the historical record of early 17th-century life, showcasing his ability to narrate the everyday through precise etching techniques.