Artwork

The Nile Flooding

The Nile Flooding, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1628
The Nile Flooding, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1628

The Nile Flooding is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Nile Flooding is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot in 1628. It is a representative work by the French printmaker, known for his prolific output of detailed scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a river scene with turbulent water, foreground rocks, and background hills with small buildings and two tall structures. The subject is likely a representation of the annual Nile flooding, a significant event in the region's ecology and culture.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Callot's use of etching to achieve a scratchy, textured style, capturing light and shadow through sharp lines that convey movement in the water and trees.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot was a prominent figure in the Baroque period, producing over 1,400 etchings that documented various aspects of his time, including landscapes and scenes of everyday life.

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.