Who painted Saint Bartholomew?

Saint Bartholomew was painted by Jacques Callot in 1631.

Where can I see Saint Bartholomew?

Saint Bartholomew is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Bartholomew?

Saint Bartholomew is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Saint Bartholomew

Jacques Callot , 1631

Saint Bartholomew is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacques Callot, a French printmaker active in the early 17th century, executed the etching Saint Bartholomew in 1631. The image is printed on laid paper and belongs to his extensive output of more than a thousand etchings that range from genre scenes to religious subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents the apostle Bartholomew, identifiable by his long beard, halo, and the book he holds, a traditional attribute of a saint. A smaller object in his other hand may allude to his martyrdom. He stands amid a crowd gathered before architectural elements, suggesting a public proclamation or miracle.

Technique & Style

Callot employs fine, incisive lines to render the folds of the robe, the shadows, and the surrounding architecture. The etched lines create a strong chiaroscuro effect, giving the scene a sense of depth and kinetic energy that is characteristic of his precise draftsmanship.

History & Provenance

Created in the Duchy of Lorraine, the print was part of Callot’s prolific output that circulated widely in the 17th‑century print market. Copies of the work have been held in several European collections, reflecting the artist’s reputation as a leading figure in baroque printmaking.

Context

Saint Bartholomew belongs to a broader series of religious prints that Callot produced alongside his more famous depictions of contemporary life, such as the *Les Grandes Misères*. The work illustrates how baroque artists used print media to disseminate devotional imagery beyond the confines of painted altarpieces.