Who painted The Hiring of the Troops?

The Hiring of the Troops was painted by Jacques Callot in 1614.

Where can I see The Hiring of the Troops?

The Hiring of the Troops is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Hiring of the Troops?

The Hiring of the Troops is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Hiring of the Troops

Jacques Callot , 1614

The Hiring 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

The level of detail and realism in this engraving is characteristic of the Baroque style, which emphasized dramatic lighting and intense emotions.

This engraving depicts a scene of men gathered around a table, with one man sitting and another standing, as if conducting a transaction. The men are dressed in attire from the 17th century, and some are armed with swords and spears. In the background, a large crowd of people can be seen, some of whom are also armed.

The engraving is rendered in fine detail, with intricate cross-hatching used to create texture and depth. The scene is set against a plain background, which helps to focus attention on the figures in the foreground.

The level of detail and realism in this engraving is characteristic of the Baroque style, which emphasized dramatic lighting and intense emotions. To learn more about this style, look up the Baroque movement.

Overview

Jacques Callot’s print *The Hiring of the Troops* (c. 1614) is an engraving on laid paper that records a 17th‑century scene of military recruitment. The composition centers on a group of men gathered around a table where a transaction appears to be taking place, while a larger crowd occupies the background.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays prospective soldiers and recruiters in contemporary dress, some bearing swords or spears, suggesting the formal enlistment of troops. By juxtaposing the intimate negotiation at the table with the bustling, armed populace behind, Callot highlights the social and economic dimensions of war‑making in early modern Europe.

Technique & Style

Executed with fine cross‑hatching, the engraving achieves subtle texture and depth, especially in the rendering of fabrics and weaponry. The relatively plain backdrop directs the eye to the figures, a compositional choice typical of Baroque printmaking that favors detailed observation over elaborate scenery.

History & Provenance

Callot, a prolific printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine, produced more than 1,400 etchings documenting everyday life, including numerous military subjects. *The Hiring of the Troops* is a later restrike of an original plate, reflecting the continued demand for his detailed depictions of contemporary events.

Context

Created during a period of frequent conflict in the early 1600s, the image reflects the practical realities of raising armies in France and neighboring regions. Callot’s focus on the recruitment process aligns with his broader interest in the social fabric of war, a theme explored in many of his prints.