Artwork

The Marriage of Ferdinando and Christine of Lorraine

The Marriage of Ferdinando and Christine of Lorraine, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1614
The Marriage of Ferdinando and Christine of Lorraine, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1614

The Marriage of Ferdinando and Christine of Lorraine 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 Marriage of Ferdinando and Christine of Lorraine is an engraving on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1614. It is a representative work by the prolific French printmaker, who produced over 1,400 etchings throughout his career.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts the wedding ceremony of Ferdinando de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Christine of Lorraine, showcasing the formalities of an aristocratic marriage in early 17th-century Europe. The scene captures a procession of figures, conveying the dignity and ritual of the occasion.

Technique & Style

Callot employed fine lines and shading to achieve a sense of depth and texture in the engraving, rendering the elaborate clothing and accessories of the figures with precision. The resulting image is characterized by a sense of order and formality, despite the complexity of the scene.

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.