Artwork

Plan and Elevation of the Church near the House of Caiaphas

Plan and Elevation of the Church near the House of Caiaphas, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1619
Plan and Elevation of the Church near the House of Caiaphas, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1619

Plan and Elevation of the Church near the House of Caiaphas is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1619 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Plan and Elevation of the Church near the House of Caiaphas is a 1619 print by French Baroque artist Jacques Callot, executed in etching and engraving on laid paper. This restrike print showcases Callot's technical proficiency in capturing architectural details and landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a simple church associated with the biblical House of Caiaphas, presenting both a side cutaway view and a floor plan. Architectural elements, including a textured wall appearance, a sloping roof, and a basic rectangular floor plan with an adjacent small room, are meticulously rendered. The interior features a marked altar area and a labeled door.

Technique & Style

Callot's draftsmanship and printmaking skills converge in this work, characterized by clean lines, shading for texture and depth, and precise etching. The use of lines creates a sense of solidity and shadow, enhancing the spatial representation of the church.

History & Provenance

Created in 1619, this print is part of Callot's extensive oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings, which often focused on contemporary life and religious themes. The piece is a restrike, indicating it was printed from the original plates at a later time.

Context

This work reflects Callot's contribution to Old Master printmaking, blending detailed architectural study with a religious subject, typical of Baroque-era artistic preoccupations.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to Callot's broader influence on precise and detailed printmaking techniques, as seen in the etching tradition.

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.