The Large Miseries of War: The Strappado

1633

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

The Large Miseries of War: The Strappado is a 1633 by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1633 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows a chaotic street scene packed with soldiers and civilians. On the right, a man is being tortured by a rope around his arms—his body stretched upward. Around him, other soldiers march, some carrying flags or weapons, while people in the crowd watch or flee. Buildings line the street, and a church with a tall steeple stands in the background. The artist used sharp lines and dramatic angles to show the pain and disorder. The text below criticizes war’s cruelty, but the focus is on the raw, messy action. If you like this style, look up Baroque next.