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Man Cutting a Balm-Tree

Jacques Callot

1628

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

Dominant colour

Man Cutting a Balm-Tree is a 1628 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1628 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image depicts a man engaged in the act of cutting a tree, with the focus centered on his actions. The man is attired in a hat, shirt, and pants, and is positioned in front of the tree, which appears to be a balm tree. The background of the image features a landscape with trees and hills, although the details are not as prominent as the man and the tree he is cutting. The image is rendered in a style that suggests a sense of movement and energy, with bold lines and expressive brushstrokes. The use of shading and texture adds depth and dimension to the image, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure of the man. To learn more about the artistic techniques used in this image, explore the world of etching, drypoint, and aquatint.