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Captain of the Barons

Jacques Callot

1622

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

Captain of the Barons is a 1622 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1622 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a big, rough-looking man holding a flag that says *"Captain of the Barons."* He’s got a drum slung over his shoulder, a stick in his hand, and a scruffy beard. Behind him, a crowd of smaller figures—some carrying torches—watch him march. The scene looks messy, with buildings and a hill in the background. The artist used a sharp, scratchy style to make everything look urgent and uneven. The lines are thick in some spots and faint in others, giving it a raw, almost sketchy feel. Next, look up etching to see how this technique works.