Artwork

The Massacre of the Innocents

The Massacre of the Innocents, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622
The Massacre of the Innocents, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622

The Massacre of the Innocents 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 Massacre of the Innocents is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1622. It is a representative work of Callot's extensive oeuvre of over 1,400 etchings.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a chaotic and violent scene of soldiers on horseback trampling civilians in a town, referencing the biblical Massacre of the Innocents. The detailed faces of the figures convey a range of emotions, from aggression to despair.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Callot's skill in printmaking, characteristic of the Baroque style. The etching is densely packed with detailed figures and architecture, demonstrating Callot's ability to convey drama and narrative in a small format.

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.