Artwork

The Large Miseries of War: Execution on the Wheel

The Large Miseries of War:  Execution on the Wheel, by Jacques Callot, 1633
The Large Miseries of War:  Execution on the Wheel, by Jacques Callot, 1633

The Large Miseries of War: Execution on the Wheel is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Large Miseries of War: Execution on the Wheel is a print by Jacques Callot, created in 1633. It is a work of history painting held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a crowded scene centered on an execution by breaking on the wheel, with a figure in robes nearby. The accompanying French text describes the punishment.

Technique & Style

Callot employed sharp lines and heavy shadows to convey the chaos of the crowd, creating a dramatic visual effect.

Context

This work is characteristic of the Baroque movement, known for its dramatic and emotionally charged representations.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.