Descent from the Cross
1631
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Jacques Callot
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.
See the richer artist page1631
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Descent from the Cross is a 1631 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a crowded scene around a cross. A naked figure hangs from it while several people reach up, holding candles or tools. Others kneel or stand nearby, some with sad faces, others holding objects like a skull or a cloth. The background looks busy with buildings and a wavy ground. Notice how the artist packed so much drama into a small space—every face and gesture feels urgent. The lines are sharp and full of movement, almost like a sketch that’s been pressed hard with a needle. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Callot made prints like this.
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.
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