Oyster with 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
Oyster with Pearl is a 1628 ink by Jacques Callot, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a simple beach scene. Two people stand by a boat on the shore, their clothes loose and plain. Nearby, an oyster shell lies open on the sand, its pearl inside glowing softly. The water is calm, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show light and shadow. The pearl inside the oyster catches the eye—it’s the only bright spot in the whole scene. Next, look up technique: etching to see how artists like this make prints.
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.
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