Fireworks on the Arno, Florence

Jacques Callot

1622

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

About this work

This sketch shows a busy riverside scene at night. A crowd gathers on a bridge and along the water’s edge, watching a fireworks display. The sparks burst over a large tree in the center, lighting up the area. Buildings line the riverbank, and people stand in groups, some on horseback, others walking or leaning on the railing. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and excitement. The fireworks’ glow is the brightest part, making everything else look darker by contrast. Want to see more? Look up etching to learn how artists like this made prints.