1668
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Liberare Captivos is a 1668 ink by Sébastien Bourdon, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a chaotic crowd of people in a grand, ruined courtyard. Some are dressed in ancient robes, others in modern clothes, all tangled in action. A man on the ground holds a child, while others stand or kneel around him—some pointing, some reaching out. In the background, a city burns, smoke swirling over crumbling buildings and statues. The mix of old and new clothing hints at a story about freedom or rescue. The artist used sharp lines and shading to pack in every detail, from the folds of clothing to the distant smoke. Look up engraving to see how artists like this carved intricate scenes into metal.
Sébastien Bourdon (French pronunciation: ; 2 February 1616 – 8 May 1671) was a French painter and engraver. His chef d'œuvre is The Crucifixion of St. Peter made for the cathedral of Notre Dame.
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