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The Decapitated

Jacques Callot

1619

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

The Decapitated is a 1619 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1619 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image depicts a chaotic scene with several men in the foreground, some of whom are armed. In the center, a man is being beheaded by another figure, while a third man looks on, seemingly unbothered. The background features a large tent and a crowd of people, with a radiant sun shining down. A closer look reveals the intricate details of the engraving, showcasing the artist's skillful use of cross-hatching to create depth and texture. The overall mood of the image is one of turmoil and violence, with the beheading at its center. To learn more about the artistic techniques used in this piece, explore the world of engraving and cross-hatching.