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Christ Disputing with the Doctors

Jacques Callot

1635

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious Jesu Among the Doctor

Dominant colour

Christ Disputing with the Doctors is a 1635 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, depicting Jesu Among the Doctor, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1635 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a busy scene inside a temple. At the center, a group of robed figures stands around a raised platform, with one person pointing upward as if teaching. Below, smaller figures sit or kneel, watching closely. The background has tall columns and arches, giving it a grand, crowded feel. The artist used sharp lines to create deep shadows and texture, making the scene feel dramatic. The Latin text at the bottom names the subject—*Jesu among the doctor*—which matches the story of Jesus teaching in the temple. Next, explore the technique: etching to see how artists like Callot made prints like this.