Artwork

St. Ladislas; Sts. Potamiana and Marcella; Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles; St. Martial

St. Ladislas; Sts. Potamiana and Marcella; Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles; St. Martial 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 etching on laid paper, created by French artist Jacques Callot around 1634, presents four distinct religious scenes within a single composition.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts multiple saints, including St. Ladislas, Sts. Potamiana and Marcella, Sts. Peter and Paul, and St. Martial, each framed in an oval and characterized by robes, halos, and symbolic attributes such as flags and books.

Technique & Style

Callot's use of etching allowed for sharp, detailed lines and nuanced shading, creating depth and emotional intensity in the figures, which are rendered with a sense of drama and stiffness.

History & Provenance

As part of Callot's extensive oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings, this work reflects his practice of documenting various subjects, including religious themes, often set against detailed backgrounds.