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Raising of the Cross

Jacques Callot

1624

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

Raising of the Cross is a 1624 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1624 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a busy scene with two main groups. On the left, soldiers struggle to raise a large wooden cross, their arms straining as they lift it. At the top of the cross, a figure is nailed to it. On the right, a crowd on horseback watches from a hill, some holding banners or staffs. Notice how the artist used sharp lines to show movement and emotion, especially in the soldiers’ faces. The background is packed with tiny figures, making the scene feel dramatic and crowded. If you like this style, look up etching to see how artists like Callot created detailed prints.