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

Overview

Jacques Callot’s engraving *The Hiring of the Troops*, executed on laid paper around 1614, presents a bustling military recruitment scene. The composition centers on a group of men gathered around a table, some armed with spears or swords, others counting money and documents, while a dog rests nearby and distant soldiers advance toward an implied battlefield.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a moment of enlistment, illustrating the transactional nature of early‑seventeenth‑century warfare. By juxtaposing armed figures with the act of counting coins, Callot highlights the economic underpinnings of military service and offers a snapshot of contemporary social and martial practices.

Technique & Style

Callot employs fine cross‑hatching to build tonal variation, rendering folds in clothing, facial lines, and texture with meticulous precision. The dense network of lines creates a sense of movement and depth, while the stark black‑and‑white palette emphasizes the crowded, lively atmosphere of the scene.

History & Provenance

Part of Callot’s prolific output of more than 1,400 prints, this work reflects his reputation as a leading Baroque printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine. The engraving was produced during a period when Callot documented everyday life, military subjects, and courtly activities, contributing to the visual record of early modern Europe.