Artwork
The Betrayal

The Betrayal is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Betrayal is an etching on laid paper created by French artist Jacques Callot around 1631. It is one of over 1,400 etchings produced by Callot, who was known for documenting contemporary life and blending different themes in his work.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a tense scene of soldiers marching in a line, with one carrying a flag and another leading a sheep, set against a backdrop of trees, a rocky shore, and crashing waves. The title suggests a narrative, potentially linked to the symbolism of the sheep, although its meaning is not immediately clear.
Technique & Style
The etching showcases Callot's skill in capturing detailed landscapes and human activity within a single composition. The use of black and white emphasizes the textures and contrasts of the scene, demonstrating Callot's proficiency in the etching technique.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.







![Christ Walking on the Water [second plate], by Jacques Callot](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jacques-callot--christ-walking-on-the-water-second-plate--2069f3bfe4cb2126-w320.webp)





![Flight of M. de Belle-Isle, Prisoner with theAttakapas [right], by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/gabriel-de-saint-aubin--flight-of-m-de-belle-isle-prisoner-with-theattakapas-right--c4658fbaef898dca-w320.webp)



