Artwork

St. Procopius; Sts. Aquila and Prisca; St. Anatolia; Sts. Rufina and Secunda

St. Procopius; Sts. Aquila and Prisca; St. Anatolia; Sts. Rufina and Secunda 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, depicts four oval scenes featuring various saints. The work is characteristic of Callot's extensive output of over 1,400 etchings, which documented a wide range of subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The four scenes show groups of saints, including St. Procopius, Sts. Aquila and Prisca, St. Anatolia, and Sts. Rufina and Secunda, in simple yet dramatic poses. Each scene is accompanied by text, although the words are not easily legible.

Technique & Style

The etching features sharp, dark lines with minimal shading, giving it a clear and sketch-like appearance. Callot's technique allowed ink to sit on the surface, creating bold outlines and textures, a style well-suited for narrative purposes.

Context

This work is part of a broader tradition of old master prints, where printmaking served as a key medium for artistic and narrative expression. Callot's practice of combining figures with expansive backgrounds is reflected in this etching, as seen in many of his religious prints.