Who painted The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12?

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12 was painted by Jacques Callot in 1629.

Where can I see The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12?

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12 is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12?

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12 is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12

Jacques Callot , 1629

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12 is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1629 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacques Callot’s print titled “The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 12” dates from 1629 and is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work depicts a crowded military engagement, with troops advancing in regimented lines across a narrow strip of terrain, while ships bearing flags loom near the shoreline.

Subject & Meaning

The image records a phase of the protracted siege of La Rochelle, a focal point of the French Wars of Religion. By arranging soldiers, artillery, and civilian figures within a confined space, Callot conveys the intensity and chaos of a fortified town under assault, emphasizing the strategic importance of both land and sea forces.

Technique & Style

Executed entirely in black ink, the print relies on line work and hatching to suggest volume and distance. Sharp, angular contours define the landscape, while varied density of strokes creates a chiaroscuro effect that imparts depth without any pigment. The composition’s rhythmic repetition of figures enhances the sense of movement across the battlefield.

History & Provenance

Created in 1629, the plate forms part of Callot’s series documenting the siege, a project that circulated widely among contemporary audiences. The Cleveland Museum of Art acquired the work as part of its early prints collection, where it remains on view as an example of 17th‑century French printmaking and military illustration.