Artwork

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 4

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 4, by Jacques Callot, 1629
The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 4, by Jacques Callot, 1629

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 4 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

The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 4 is a 1629 print by Jacques Callot, depicting a chaotic battle scene from the Siege of La Rochelle. Characterized by fine, detailed lines in black-and-white, the print features an ornate border and French text. It is part of a series and housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates a pivotal moment in the Siege of La Rochelle, conveying the intensity of the conflict through crowded, dynamic scenes of soldiers, horses, and ships. Tiny figures engage in fighting or flee, capturing the drama and chaos of war.

Technique & Style

Callot employed meticulous line work in black-and-white to achieve detailed, high-contrast imagery. The ornate borders and inclusion of French text within the print reflect a blend of artistic and informational design elements.

History & Provenance

Created in 1629, the print is one component of Callot's series on the Siege of La Rochelle. Its current location is The Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is preserved and exhibited.

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.