Artwork

St. Maurus; St. John Calybite; St. Marcellus; St. Honoratus

St. Maurus; St. John Calybite; St. Marcellus; St. Honoratus, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1634
St. Maurus; St. John Calybite; St. Marcellus; St. Honoratus, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1634

St. Maurus; St. John Calybite; St. Marcellus; St. Honoratus 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, comprising four small oval etchings, was created by Jacques Callot around 1634. It is an example of his work in etching on laid paper, a technique that allowed for detailed lines and expressive renderings.

Subject & Meaning

The etchings depict four robed saints in simple settings, each with distinct attributes and narratives. The scenes suggest different episodes from the saints' lives, such as a saint accompanied by a dog and staff, a nativity scene, a saint at a doorway with a horse, and two saints in conversation.

Technique & Style

The print showcases Callot's skill with etching, a technique that involves scratching into metal plates to create detailed lines. The sharp lines and simple compositions evoke the appearance of illustrations in an old book.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot was a prolific French printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine, known for his extensive output of over 1,400 etchings. This work reflects his practice of combining figures with expansive backgrounds, characteristic of his broader oeuvre.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.