Artwork

Peasant Attacked by Bees

Peasant Attacked by Bees, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622
Peasant Attacked by Bees, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622

Peasant Attacked by Bees 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

Peasant Attacked by Bees is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1622. It is one of over 1,400 prints made by the artist, who was known for documenting everyday scenes and dramatic moments.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a peasant, dressed in old-fashioned clothing, waving his arms as if swatting at bees. His facial expression conveys distress, and the surrounding landscape features a serene village by a river, contrasting with the man's turmoil.

Technique & Style

Callot used fine lines to capture the details of the scene, from the peasant's wrinkled clothes to the tiny houses in the background. The work showcases his skill with etching, a technique involving scratching lines into metal to create the print.

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.