The Fan was painted by Jacques Callot in 1619.

Where can I see The Fan?

The Fan is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Fan?

The Fan is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Fan

Jacques Callot , 1619

The Fan is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1619 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The foreground has nobles in fancy clothes, some riding horses, others standing near a raised platform.

This print shows a busy riverside scene with crowds of people watching a mock naval battle. Two giant fish with open mouths frame the bottom, like a stage. In the background, ships clash while fireworks burst overhead. The foreground has nobles in fancy clothes, some riding horses, others standing near a raised platform.

The text at the top names it a "festa" (party) held in Florence, with a date of July 25, 1619. The artist, Callot, packs a lot of action into tight lines and shadows.

Next, look up etching to see how artists like Callot carved these sharp, detailed prints.

Overview

The Fan, created by Jacques Callot in 1619, is an etching and engraving on laid paper. This print showcases a vibrant riverside scene, combining detailed figures with a meticulously rendered background.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a lively "festa" in Florence on July 25, 1619, featuring a mock naval battle, fireworks, and nobles in elaborate attire. The composition is framed by two giant fish at the bottom, evoking a theatrical setting.

Technique & Style

Callot demonstrates his mastery of etching and engraving, packing dense action into precise lines and shadows. The work highlights his ability to integrate narrative and landscape elements within a single, dynamic composition.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1619, The Fan is one of over 1,400 etchings by Callot, who was renowned for documenting 17th-century life, from military scenes to courtly gatherings.

Context

As a French baroque printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine, Callot's work reflects the era's fascination with capturing contemporary life and spectacle. The Fan specifically commemorates a Florentine festival.

Legacy

The Fan exemplifies Callot's significant contributions to old master printmaking, influencing the development of etching and engraving techniques in European art.