Artwork

The Enrollment of the Troops

The Enrollment of the Troops, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1614
The Enrollment of the Troops, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1614

The Enrollment of the Troops is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1614 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Enrollment of the Troops is an engraving on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1614. It is a representative work by the artist, known for producing over 1,400 etchings that documented the social and military life of his time.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a scene of military recruitment, featuring three figures in period attire. A man holds a sword and scroll, while a woman reaches towards him and a boy stands by, looking down. The detailed clothing and accessories convey the cultural and historical context of the era.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Callot's skillful use of fine lines and shading to create depth and texture, characteristic of engravings. The technique involves carving lines into metal to produce printed images, resulting in a detailed yet monochromatic representation.

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.