Artwork

St. Frederick; St. Arsenius, Hermit; St. Elias, Prophet; St. Joseph the Just

St. Frederick; St. Arsenius, Hermit; St. Elias, Prophet; St. Joseph the Just 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.

About this work

Overview

This print, created by Jacques Callot around 1634, is a collection of four etchings on laid paper, featuring four religious figures in distinct scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The etchings depict St. Frederick, St. Arsenius the Hermit, St. Elias the Prophet, and St. Joseph the Just, each shown in a separate oval frame, arranged in two rows. The figures are clothed in robes and engaged in various activities, conveying a sense of reverence and spirituality.

Technique & Style

The etchings showcase Callot's mastery of the medium, with intricate lines and shading that create detailed, nuanced representations of the figures and their surroundings. The simple backgrounds allow the subjects to take center stage.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot, a prolific French printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine, produced over 1,400 etchings during his career, often incorporating detailed landscapes and exploring themes of military life, social types, and religious subjects.