Artwork

Plan and Part of the Elevation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of the Madonna

Plan and Part of the Elevation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of the Madonna 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

Created in 1619, this print by Jacques Callot combines etching and engraving on laid paper to depict a schematic representation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of the Madonna. The image functions as a floor plan, showing labeled chambers, stairways, altars and a cross‑section that conveys interior depth through precise line work and shading.

Subject & Meaning

The work belongs to the religious genre, illustrating the spatial organization of a sacred building. Italian annotations identify specific chapels and burial sites, such as the Sepolcro della Madonna, providing viewers with a clear understanding of the church’s liturgical layout and its devotional functions.

Technique & Style

Callot employed a dual process of etching and engraving, allowing for fine linear detail and controlled tonal variation. The use of laid paper contributes a subtle texture, while the meticulous hatching creates a sense of three‑dimensionality in the stairs and walls, characteristic of his precise architectural renderings.

History & Provenance

The French printmaker, active in the Duchy of Lorraine, produced this piece as part of his extensive output of over 1,400 prints documenting contemporary subjects. The print reflects Callot’s broader practice of combining artistic skill with documentary accuracy, especially in works that record important ecclesiastical structures.

Context

During the early 17th century, detailed architectural plans were often commissioned for major religious sites to guide construction, renovation, or pilgrimage. Callot’s plan aligns with this tradition, offering a visual guide that would have been useful for clergy, patrons, or scholars interested in the church’s design.