Man Washing a Pearl
1628
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 page1628
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Man Washing a Pearl is a 1628 ink by Jacques Callot, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching depicts a man standing in a landscape, intently washing a pearl in a shallow dish. He is dressed in a long-sleeved shirt, shorts, and boots, with a feather tucked behind his ear. The man's attention is focused on the pearl, which he is carefully cleaning with a small cloth. In the background, a small building and a tree are visible, set against a rolling hillside. The overall scene is one of quiet contemplation, with the man's actions suggesting a sense of reverence for the pearl. The level of detail in this etching is remarkable, with the artist's use of line and texture creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. To learn more about the technique used to create this piece, look up the art of etching.
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.
See the richer artist page
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