Artwork

Peasant Woman, in Profile, Facing Left

Peasant Woman, in Profile, Facing Left, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622
Peasant Woman, in Profile, Facing Left, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622

Peasant Woman, in Profile, Facing Left 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 Woman, in Profile, Facing Left is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot in 1622. Contrary to the title's suggestion, the print depicts two women in traditional attire, accompanied by smaller figures in the background, with additional sketch elements at the edges.

Subject & Meaning

This etching focuses on everyday, possibly marginalized figures, reflecting Callot's interest in documenting 17th-century life through genre scenes. The women's poses and detailed clothing offer an observational glimpse into the lives of common people.

Technique & Style

Callot employed etching techniques that utilized metal plate grooves to retain ink, resulting in a grainy, textured appearance. This method suited the capture of quick, expressive scenes, evident in the rough yet detailed lines, particularly in fabric folds.

History & Provenance

Created in 1622, this work is part of Callot's extensive oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings, which included soldiers, beggars, court figures, and landscapes, showcasing life in the 17th century.

Context

As a French baroque printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine, Callot's work, including this piece, contributed to a broader artistic movement focused on detailed, observational renderings of contemporary life, often highlighting marginalized groups.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *Peasant Woman, in Profile, Facing Left* are not highlighted, Callot's overall body of work significantly influenced the documentation and artistic portrayal of 17th-century European life, with his etching techniques contributing to the development of printmaking.

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.