Saint Paul, Seated
1616
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1616
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows an older man with a long white beard and wild hair, sitting on the ground. He’s holding a scroll in one hand and gesturing with the other, like he’s explaining something. Around him are scattered books, a staff, and a small basket of fruit. In the background, there’s a faint cityscape and a rocky hillside. The artist used tiny lines to create shadows and texture, making the scene look almost three-dimensional. The Latin text below hints at a story about Saint Paul, but the focus is on the man’s intense expression. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Callot built such detail with just a burin and ink.