Who painted The Second Naval Battle?

The Second Naval Battle was painted by Jacques Callot in 1614.

Where can I see The Second Naval Battle?

The Second Naval Battle is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Second Naval Battle?

The Second Naval Battle is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Second Naval Battle

Jacques Callot , 1614

The Second Naval Battle 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

Created circa 1614, *The Second Naval Battle* is an engraving on laid paper by Jacques Callot, a French printmaker active in the early seventeenth century. The work belongs to the history‑painting tradition, portraying a violent sea clash between warships. Its composition is densely packed with figures, vessels, and debris, conveying the turmoil of naval warfare.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a chaotic maritime encounter: vessels collide, masts splinter, and smoke billows as cannons discharge. Callot’s focus on the tangled rigging, wounded sailors, and shattered hulls emphasizes the brutal reality of combat rather than glorifying heroism, offering a documentary glimpse into early modern naval conflict.

Technique & Style

Executed entirely in black line, the engraving relies on fine hatching and cross‑hatching to model depth and texture. The use of laid paper provides a subtle tooth that enhances the intricate details of rope, wood, and water. Callot’s characteristic precision and sharp linearity reflect the early‑1600s printmaking aesthetic, where line alone conveyed drama.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot, originally from the Duchy of Lorraine, produced over fourteen hundred prints during his career, many documenting military subjects.

Jacques Callot, originally from the Duchy of Lorraine, produced over fourteen hundred prints during his career, many documenting military subjects. *The Second Naval Battle* is a later restrike of an earlier plate, indicating continued interest in the image after its initial issue. The work resides in several public collections, illustrating its enduring relevance to scholars of Baroque print culture.