Who painted Siren between Two Ships?

Siren between Two Ships was painted by Jacques Callot in 1628.

Where can I see Siren between Two Ships?

Siren between Two Ships is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Siren between Two Ships?

Siren between Two Ships is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Siren between Two Ships?

Museum-quality prints of Siren between Two Ships are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Siren between Two Ships

Jacques Callot , 1628

Siren between Two Ships is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The image combines narrative detail with a fantastical element, characteristic of the artist’s extensive oeuvre of over a thousand prints.

Created in 1628, this etching by Jacques Callot depicts a mythological figure positioned between two sailing vessels. The work belongs to the marine genre, a popular subject in early‑seventeenth‑century art, and showcases Callot’s reputation as a leading Baroque printmaker from Lorraine. The image combines narrative detail with a fantastical element, characteristic of the artist’s extensive oeuvre of over a thousand prints.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre of the composition sits a half‑human, half‑fish creature perched on a rock, reminiscent of a siren or mermaid. She raises a trumpet, an unusual attribute that suggests a warning or enchantment, while the two tall ships flank her on either side, their rigging caught in a choppy sea. The juxtaposition of myth and maritime activity reflects contemporary fascination with the dangers of the ocean.

Technique & Style

The image was produced by etching on laid paper, a process in which Callot incised fine lines into a copper plate before printing. His hand is evident in the crisp, almost nervous line work that renders intricate details of ropes, sails, and the creature’s scales. The scratchy precision of the marks creates a sense of texture and movement, typical of Callot’s meticulous draftsmanship.

History & Provenance

The print emerged during Callot’s most prolific period, when he was documenting a wide range of subjects—from military campaigns to everyday scenes. Though the original plate no longer survives, impressions circulated among collectors in the seventeenth century and later entered museum collections. The work remains an example of Callot’s ability to blend narrative invention with the technical rigor of Baroque printmaking.