The Assumption of the Virgin

Jacques Callot

1634

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

About this work

This etching shows a crowded scene of people gathered around a floating woman rising upward. Below, a group of robed figures watches from a dark base, while above, angels and light beams surround her. The lines are sharp and busy, with lots of swirling movement and intricate patterns filling the background. The artist used a technique that lets them carve fine details into metal plates. This creates the crisp lines and textures you see here. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Callot made prints like this.