Who painted Saint Thaddeus?

Saint Thaddeus was painted by Jacques Callot in 1631.

Where can I see Saint Thaddeus?

Saint Thaddeus is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Thaddeus?

Saint Thaddeus is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Saint Thaddeus

Jacques Callot , 1631

Saint Thaddeus 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

Saint Thaddeus is a 1631 etching on laid paper by Jacques Callot, a prolific French Baroque printmaker. The work exemplifies Callot's ability to balance sacred subjects with meticulous depictions of contemporary settings.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays Saint Thaddeus, a bearded figure in a long robe, barefoot and holding a scroll and staff. Behind him, a crowd navigates a detailed, everyday townscape, contextualizing the saint within a relatable, 17th-century environment.

Technique & Style

Callot employed sharp, expressive lines to render the folds of the saint's robe and the texture of his beard. This etching technique, characteristic of 17th-century Baroque printmaking, emphasized dramatic detail and clarity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1631, Saint Thaddeus is part of Callot's vast oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings, which spanned religious themes and documentary observations of his time. Provenance details are not specified.

Context

This work reflects Callot's dual interests in sacred subjects and the everyday life of his era, set against the backdrop of 17th-century Lorraine. It aligns with the Baroque emphasis on detail and the relatability of religious figures.

Legacy

Saint Thaddeus contributes to Callot's legacy as a master etcher who effectively merged the sacred with the mundane, influencing the representation of religious themes in Baroque art.