Artwork
Second Intermezzo

Second Intermezzo is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right in plate: Iullius Parigii Inv: Iac: Callot delineavit. F; across bottom in plate: SECONDO INTERMEDIO DOVE SI VIDE ARMARSI L'INFERNO PER FAR VENDETTA DI CIRCE CONTRO TIRR
About this work
Overview
Second Intermezzo is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot in 1617. It is one of over 1,400 etchings produced by the artist, a prolific French Baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic underworld scene with a central monstrous figure surrounded by clashing soldiers and strange creatures, set against a backdrop of towering, crumbling ruins. The title suggests a narrative of revenge.
Technique & Style
Callot's etching is characterized by sharp lines and a dense, dramatic composition, showcasing his skill in capturing movement and emotion. The work exemplifies his ability to incorporate detailed landscapes and figures into complex scenes.
Context
Second Intermezzo reflects Callot's contribution to the old master print tradition in the early 17th century, a period during which he specialized in scenes of contemporary life, including soldiers, beggars, and court scenes.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
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…







![Christ Walking on the Water [second plate], by Jacques Callot](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jacques-callot--christ-walking-on-the-water-second-plate--2069f3bfe4cb2126-w320.webp)






