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The Martyrdom of Saint Barnabas

Jacques Callot

1634

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious

Dominant colour

The Martyrdom of Saint Barnabas 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 etching shows a dramatic scene of a man being stoned to death. A crowd of rough-looking men with clubs surrounds him, while others stand on a raised platform watching. Above, a robed figure floats in the air, pointing down as if witnessing the violence. The background is filled with swirling clouds and architectural details, giving the scene a chaotic, stormy feel. The artist used sharp lines and heavy shading to make the action feel urgent and intense. The text at the bottom names the scene as *The Martyrdom of Saint Barnabas*, suggesting this is a religious story. Next, look up the technique: etching to see how artists like Callot created these precise, dramatic prints.