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Destruction of a Convent

Jacques Callot

1633

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

Destruction of a Convent is a 1633 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1633 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white scene shows a chaotic fight outside a big building. Soldiers on horseback charge at people on the ground. Some are lying down, others are running. The building has tall columns and looks like a church or a fancy house. There’s smoke, broken things, and a lot of noise. The artist packed a lot into this small image—look at the tiny details in the faces and clothes. It’s not just action; it’s also a warning about what happens when people break rules. Next, check out how this artist used etching to create such sharp lines and deep shadows.