Who painted Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder?

Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder was painted by Jacques Callot in 1622.

Where can I see Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder?

Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder?

Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder

Jacques Callot , 1622

Peasant with Shovel on His Shoulder 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 with Shovel on His Shoulder is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1622. The work portrays a rural laborer in a detailed landscape setting.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a peasant carrying a shovel on his shoulder, with his back to the viewer, set against a distant village landscape. This composition reflects Callot's interest in capturing ordinary life within its broader social and environmental context.

Technique & Style

The etching features fine lines and delicate shading, which impart depth and texture to the image. Callot's meticulous technique is evident in the rendering of the peasant's attire and the landscape.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot, a prolific French Baroque printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine (active c. 1592–1635), created this work as part of his extensive oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings, which often highlighted everyday subjects amidst expansive backgrounds.

Context

This etching is characteristic of Callot's documentary approach to contemporary life, alongside his depictions of soldiers, beggars, and court scenes, all contextualized within their respective environments.