Artwork

Piazza Presso alla Porta al Prato

Piazza Presso alla Porta al Prato, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622
Piazza Presso alla Porta al Prato, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622

Piazza Presso alla Porta al Prato 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

Piazza Presso alla Porta al Prato is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1622. It is one of over 1,400 etchings produced by the French printmaker during his career.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a crowded Italian town square with numerous small figures, a leaning tower in the background, and long shadows cast across the cobblestones, capturing an everyday urban scene.

Technique & Style

Callot employed etching and drypoint techniques to achieve a range of tonal values, with deep, dark shadows adding drama to the scene.

Context

The work reflects Callot's interest in documenting contemporary life, including urban settings and everyday subjects, often incorporating detailed landscapes in the background.

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.