The Float of the Sun
1616
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Jacques Callot
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.
See the richer artist page1616
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Float of the Sun is a 1616 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a wild, crowded scene with a giant sun chariot pulled by horses. At the top, a winged figure holds a globe while a snake coils around the chariot. Below, people and mythical creatures—some on horseback, some on foot—seem to be in motion, like a parade or battle. The background is packed with tiny figures, all tangled together. The title at the top explains this is a "float" for a festival, likely mixing real and mythical elements. The chaotic energy fits the Baroque style, which often piled up drama and movement. Check out the technique: etching to see how artists like Callot carved lines into metal plates to make prints.
Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.
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