Artwork

Two Society Women

Two Society Women, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1623
Two Society Women, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1623

Two Society Women is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1623 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Two Society Women is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1623. It is a representative work of the artist's skill in printmaking during the Baroque period.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts two elegantly dressed women in conversation, set against a backdrop of a quiet street with distant figures. Their formal attire and stiff poses suggest a scene from court life or high society.

Technique & Style

Callot's use of sharp lines and detailed etching techniques creates a three-dimensional effect, particularly in the rendering of the women's clothing. The print showcases his technical precision and ability to capture narrative detail.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot, born around 1592 in the Duchy of Lorraine, was a prolific French etcher who produced over 1,400 works. Two Society Women is part of his extensive documentation of contemporary society in the early 17th century.

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.