Artwork
The Massacre of the Innocents
The Massacre of the Innocents is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1619 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by later hand across bottom in brown ink: 1er planche avant le [?] - Callot; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: 278
About this work
Overview
The Massacre of the Innocents is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot, a prolific French printmaker, around 1619. It is one of over 1,400 etchings produced by the artist, who was known for documenting a wide range of subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic and violent scene from the biblical narrative of the Massacre of the Innocents, set in a grand courtyard surrounded by classical architecture. The artist captures the turmoil through a multitude of fleeing figures and charging soldiers on horseback.
Technique & Style
The etching showcases Callot's mastery of the technique, which involves using acid to carve into metal plates. The resulting print is characterized by sharp, energetic lines that convey a sense of frantic activity, with every inch of the composition densely packed with detail.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques Callot (French: ; c. 1592 – 1635) was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine. He is an important person in the development of the old master print. He made more than 1,400 etchings that…
Holy Family at supper
Restoration of the Aqueduct at Pisa
Restoration of the Aqueduct at Pisa
Square in Paris with Many Figures
Square in Paris with Many Figures
Horsemen Attacked by Robbers
HOW WILL A COVERED PART BE CORRECTED?HOW WIKA A COVERED HEART DEED CORRECTED?![Christ Walking on the Water [second plate], by Jacques Callot](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jacques-callot--christ-walking-on-the-water-second-plate--2069f3bfe4cb2126-w320.webp)
Christ Walking on the Water [second plate]
