The Virgin

Jacques Callot

1631

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious

About this work

This drawing shows a robed woman with her hands folded in prayer. She wears a long veil and stands on a cloudy base, with light rays bursting behind her head. In the background, smaller scenes show groups of people—some gathered under a cross, others riding horses. The artist used fine lines to create texture in her clothes and the clouds. The style looks deliberate, almost like a sketch meant to feel both simple and grand. Try looking up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.