Who painted St. Meliton; St. Firminus; St. Gregory the Great; St. Euphrasia?

St. Meliton; St. Firminus; St. Gregory the Great; St. Euphrasia was painted by Jacques Callot in 1634.

Where can I see St. Meliton; St. Firminus; St. Gregory the Great; St. Euphrasia?

St. Meliton; St. Firminus; St. Gregory the Great; St. Euphrasia is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is St. Meliton; St. Firminus; St. Gregory the Great; St. Euphrasia?

St. Meliton; St. Firminus; St. Gregory the Great; St. Euphrasia is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

St. Meliton; St. Firminus; St. Gregory the Great; St. Euphrasia

Jacques Callot , 1634

St. Meliton; St. Firminus; St. Gregory the Great; St. Euphrasia 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 1634 etching on laid paper by Jacques Callot presents four oval scenes, each depicting a distinct saint: St. Meliton, St. Firminus, St. Gregory the Great, and St. Euphrasia. The composition showcases Callot's mastery of etching, blending intricate figures with varied backgrounds.

Subject & Meaning

The print highlights four Christian saints in separate vignettes, illustrating their unique attributes and scenes. These may allude to specific aspects of their hagiographies, though the exact narratives are not immediately clear without contextual religious knowledge.

Technique & Style

Executed with sharp, detailed lines characteristic of 17th-century etching, the work demonstrates Callot's technical prowess. The oval frames and contrast between crowded and solitary figures reflect his compositional versatility within the Baroque printmaking tradition.

History & Provenance

Created around 1634 by Jacques Callot, a prolific French baroque artist from Lorraine, this etching is part of his extensive religious oeuvre, which often featured multiple saints in single compositions. Provenance details are not provided.

Context

This etching sits within Callot's broader practice of documenting various themes, including religious subjects, soldiers, and court life. It engages with the visual and religious traditions of its time, reflecting the Baroque emphasis on detailed, emotionally charged imagery.

Legacy

As part of Callot's vast output of over 1,400 etchings, this work contributes to his legacy as a skilled printmaker who influenced the development of Baroque printmaking through his technical skill and thematic range.