Artwork

St. Mary of Victory; St. Simeon, Prophet; St. Pelagia; Sts. Reparata and Benedicta

St. Mary of Victory; St. Simeon, Prophet; St. Pelagia; Sts. Reparata and Benedicta 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 around 1634, is a work by Jacques Callot, a prominent French printmaker. It features four distinct oval-framed scenes depicting various saints and biblical figures.

Subject & Meaning

The print showcases four separate narratives: a stormy sea scene, a robed figure with a book, a kneeling woman in prayer, and two figures with a third person nearby. Each scene corresponds to a different saint or biblical character, including St. Mary of Victory, St. Simeon, St. Pelagia, and Sts. Reparata and Benedicta.

Technique & Style

The etching is characterized by sharp, detailed lines, typical of Callot's work. The scenes are dramatic, conveying a sense of movement and emotion. The use of oval frames to separate the narratives adds to the overall visual complexity.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot, born around 1592 in the Duchy of Lorraine, was a prolific printmaker who produced over 1,400 etchings during his career. This work is part of his extensive oeuvre, which documented a wide range of subjects, including religious themes.