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The Martyrdom of Saint Thaddeus

Jacques Callot

1634

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious

Dominant colour

The Martyrdom of Saint Thaddeus 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 depicts a dramatic scene of Saint Thaddeus' martyrdom. In the foreground, a group of figures are shown in various states of distress, with some on the ground and others standing or kneeling. The background features a grand, curved structure with arches and columns, set against a bright sky with clouds. A figure is shown being lifted upwards, surrounded by a halo of light. The overall atmosphere is one of turmoil and chaos, with the figures in the foreground appearing to be in a state of panic or despair. The use of bold lines and shading creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure. This etching is a striking example of the Baroque style, with its dramatic lighting and emotive figures. If you're interested in learning more about this style, you might want to explore the Baroque movement.