Artwork

Crow and Snail

Crow and Snail, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1628
Crow and Snail, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1628

Crow and Snail is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Crow and Snail is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot in 1628, exemplifying his diverse graphic work during the Baroque period.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a snail armed with a stick, a flying bird, and an ambiguous shape, set against a landscape with hills and spiky plants. The snail's unusual stick, resembling a spear, may carry symbolic meaning, contributing to the scene's enigmatic quality.

Technique & Style

Callot's etching showcases his technical skill, combining detailed observation with narrative focus and a carefully rendered background, characteristic of his work.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot, born around 1592 in the Duchy of Lorraine, was a prolific printmaker who produced over 1,400 etchings, documenting various aspects of his time and influencing the development of old master printmaking.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.