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Taking the Firing Position with the Musket

Jacques Callot

1634

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

Dominant colour

Taking the Firing Position with the Musket is a 1634 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1634 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows three men in old-fashioned soldier clothes, each holding a musket. The first man stands tall, aiming his gun. The second man is crouched low, ready to fire. The third man stands again, holding his gun up. All three wear big hats and boots, and the background is plain. Notice how the artist used quick, sharp lines to show movement and action. The Latin text at the bottom means "Taking the Firing Position with the Musket." Look up etching next to see how this technique works.