Saint John Preaching in the Desert

Jacques Callot

1634

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious

About this work

This drawing shows a crowded desert scene with lots of people gathered around a preacher. The artist used only black lines on light paper, so there’s no color. Trees and rocks fill the background, while figures in the front sit or stand, listening intently. Notice how the lines are scratchy and layered—some areas look almost like shadows. This is because the artist used a technique that lets them add texture with their tool. Look up etching to see how artists like Callot created such detailed prints.