Artwork

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1622

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1622. The work is characteristic of Callot's prolific output, which often featured everyday life scenes set against meticulously detailed backgrounds.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a vibrant scene in Florence's Piazza Santa Maria Novella, highlighting a figure on a raised platform amidst a bustling crowd engaged in various activities. The composition contrasts a prominent individual with the broader, lively urban community.

Technique & Style

Callot employed sharp, detailed etching lines to convey a sense of orderly crowding in a compact space. This approach was typical of 17th-century etchings aiming to capture the dynamism of city life. The technique involved using acid on metal plates to achieve intricate designs.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1622 by French baroque printmaker Jacques Callot, this etching is part of his extensive body of over 1,400 works. While specific provenance details for this piece are not provided, it aligns with Callot's practice of documenting European urban life during his time.

Context

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence reflects the early 17th-century interest in capturing urban landscapes and public life. Callot's work, with its focus on daily activities and architectural detail, situates it within the broader baroque tradition of observing and recording contemporary society.

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Jacques Callot

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot (French: ; c. 1592 – 1635) was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine. He is an important person in the development of the old master print. He made more than 1,400 etchings that…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence?

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence was painted by Jacques Callot in 1622.

Where can I see Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence?

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence?

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence?

Museum-quality prints of Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.