Artwork

St. Mederic, Abbot; Beheading of John the Baptist; St. Fiacre; Festival of the Belt of the Virgin

St. Mederic, Abbot; Beheading of John the Baptist; St. Fiacre; Festival of the Belt of the Virgin 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 Jacques Callot around 1634, presents four distinct religious scenes within a single composition. The work is characteristic of Callot's prolific output as a French Baroque printmaker.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts four separate narratives: a kneeling abbot, the beheading of John the Baptist, two standing saints, and a festival centered on a sacred belt. These scenes likely represent various Christian themes and figures, including St. Mederic, St. Fiacre, and the Virgin Mary.

Technique & Style

The etching technique, involving scratched lines on a metal plate that are then inked and printed, allows for intricate detail and sharp lines. Callot's work is notable for its narrative depth and complex composition, reflecting his skill as a draftsman and printmaker.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot, from the Duchy of Lorraine, was a prominent figure in the development of Old Master prints. His extensive body of work, comprising over 1,400 etchings, documents a wide range of subjects, from contemporary life to religious and military themes.