Artwork

St. Anastasius; St. Theodora; Sts. Vitalis and Valeria; St. Peter Martyr

St. Anastasius; St. Theodora; Sts. Vitalis and Valeria; St. Peter Martyr is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This etching on laid paper, created around 1634, features four oval-framed scenes depicting various saints.

About this work

Overview

This etching on laid paper, created around 1634, features four oval-framed scenes depicting various saints. The work is characteristic of the output of Jacques Callot, a prolific French printmaker known for his detailed and narrative-rich etchings.

Subject & Meaning

The print presents four separate scenes, each showing a different saint or pair of saints. The subjects are identified as St. Anastasius, St. Theodora, Sts. Vitalis and Valeria, and St. Peter Martyr, reflecting Callot's frequent engagement with religious themes.

Technique & Style

The etchings are notable for their use of oval frames and a plain background, which allows the intricate details of each scene to take precedence. Callot's skillful application of etching techniques creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing attention to the figures and their attributes.

History & Provenance

The print is the work of Jacques Callot, a French baroque printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine, who was active in the early 17th century and produced over 1,400 etchings during his career.