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Studies of Horses [verso]

Jacques Callot

1612

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Animal

Dominant colour

Studies of Horses [verso] is a 1612 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1612 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sheet is packed with quick, sketchy drawings of horses. Some are rearing up, others are mid-gallop, and a few are just standing still. The lines are loose and energetic, like the artist was working fast. At the bottom, there’s a row of horses being led by people—simple but clear. The paper shows signs of use, with faint marks and stains. These sketches look like practice, maybe for a bigger work. The artist didn’t smooth out the lines—just let the pen move freely. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with layers of lines.