Artwork

The Hunchback with a Cane

The Hunchback with a Cane, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622
The Hunchback with a Cane, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622

The Hunchback with a Cane is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Hunchback with a Cane is a print created by French artist Jacques Callot around 1622 using etching and engraving techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a hunched figure struggling with a heavy sack, conveying a sense of effort and hardship. The inclusion of a sprig of greenery in the sack adds a touch of detail to the scene, highlighting the figure's burden.

Technique & Style

Callot employed etching and engraving to achieve sharp, dark lines, resulting in a raw and dynamic image. The rough, scratchy quality of the lines contributes to the overall sense of movement and tension in the print.

Context

This work is part of Callot's extensive oeuvre, which documented various aspects of 17th-century life, including everyday people and scenes. The print reflects his engagement with the social realities of his time.

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.