Who painted Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity?

Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity was painted by Jacques Callot in 1619.

Where can I see Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity?

Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity?

Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity

Jacques Callot , 1619

Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity 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

There’s a big central space labeled for a church, with smaller rooms around it, like a refectory and cells.

This is a black-and-white floor plan of a church, drawn with fine lines and numbered rooms. The layout shows walls, doorways, and small courtyards in a square shape. There’s a big central space labeled for a church, with smaller rooms around it, like a refectory and cells. A well sits in one corner, and the text below names each numbered spot.

This is an old print from 1619, made using etching—a method where the artist scratches into a metal plate. The lines are precise, showing how the church was organized inside.

Look up etching to see how artists like Callot made these detailed prints.

Overview

Plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity is a print created by Jacques Callot in 1619 using etching and engraving techniques on laid paper. It is a later impression, or restrike, from the original plate.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a detailed floor plan of the Church of the Holy Nativity, showing its layout, including walls, doorways, courtyards, and various rooms such as a refectory and cells. Numbered rooms are labeled in the accompanying text.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Callot's skill in combining architectural precision with narrative elements, characteristic of his extensive output of over 1,400 etchings. The fine lines and detailed rendering demonstrate the capabilities of etching and engraving techniques.

History & Provenance

Created in 1619 by Jacques Callot, a French baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine, this print is part of his broader oeuvre that includes religious imagery, military scenes, and landscapes.