Presentation in the Temple

Jacques Callot

1631

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious

About this work

This etching shows a group of people inside a grand, arched building with tall columns. At the center, a woman holds a baby while others gather around, some kneeling or standing. The scene looks busy but orderly, with light streaming in from the back. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, making the robes and architecture look detailed. This kind of drawing was done by scratching into a metal plate—a process called etching. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Callot made prints like this.