Artwork

Les Festes du mois de Juin (June: The Pentecost)

Les Festes du mois de Juin (June: The Pentecost), by Léonard Gaultier, ink, 1603
Les Festes du mois de Juin (June: The Pentecost), by Léonard Gaultier, ink, 1603

Les Festes du mois de Juin (June: The Pentecost) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Léonard Gaultier. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Les Festes du mois de Juin (June: The Pentecost) is a 1603 engraving by Léonard Gaultier, capturing a pivotal religious moment within an architectural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving commemorates Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Figures under arches exhibit varied reactions—shock and joy—as flames symbolizing the Holy Spirit appear above them.

Technique & Style

Gaultier employed fine lines to achieve depth and illuminate the scene. The contrast between sharply defined figures and a dark background enhances visual clarity, while the architectural details suggest solidity and realism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1603, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

As a religious engraving from the early 17th century, it reflects the continued importance of biblical themes in Baroque-era art, utilizing the medium of engraving for potentially wider dissemination.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this work are not outlined, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Léonard Gaultier’s engraving skills and the enduring representation of religious subjects in early modern European art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Léonard Gaultier

Léonard Gaultier, or, as he sometimes signed himself, Galter, a French engraver, was born at Mainz about 1561, and died in Paris in 1641.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.