Who painted The Troops on the March?

The Troops on the March was painted by Jacques Callot in 1614.

Where can I see The Troops on the March?

The Troops on the March is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Troops on the March?

The Troops on the March is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Troops on the March

Jacques Callot , 1614

The Troops on the March 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

Jacques Callot’s print *The Troops on the March* is an early‑17th‑century engraving that portrays a large column of soldiers moving through a countryside landscape. The composition stretches across the sheet, showing mounted leaders, infantry bearing flags, muskets and shields, and a distant mass of troops shrouded in a haze of dust or smoke.

Subject & Meaning

The image records a military procession, likely reflecting the routine movements of early modern armies rather than a specific battle. By placing the commander on horseback at the front and emphasizing the orderly ranks, Callot underscores the discipline and scale of contemporary forces, offering a visual study of martial organization.

Technique & Style

Executed on laid paper, the engraving relies on dense cross‑hatching to model forms and suggest atmospheric effects. Callot’s fine, intersecting lines create subtle gradations of tone, giving the figures a three‑dimensional presence despite the monochrome medium. The expansive background and attention to detail are hallmarks of his baroque printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1614, the print was part of Callot’s prolific output of more than 1,400 etchings and engravings documenting everyday life and warfare. After his death in 1635, additional restrikes were produced, indicating continued demand for the image. The work remains a key example of early modern French print culture.

Context

Callot worked in the Duchy of Lorraine, a region caught between French and Imperial influences, which informed his interest in military subjects. His prints circulated widely across Europe, influencing later artists such as Rembrandt and Goya, who admired his ability to render complex scenes with precision.