Who painted The Large Miseries of War: The Battle?

The Large Miseries of War: The Battle was painted by Jacques Callot in 1633.

Where can I see The Large Miseries of War: The Battle?

The Large Miseries of War: The Battle is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Large Miseries of War: The Battle?

The Large Miseries of War: The Battle is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Large Miseries of War: The Battle

Jacques Callot , 1633

The Large Miseries of War: The Battle is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1923.277.3
Credit line: Charles W. Harkness Endowment Fund

About this work

Overview

The Large Miseries of War: The Battle is a print created by French artist Jacques Callot in 1633. Executed as a history painting, the work depicts a tumultuous battlefield populated by soldiers and horses. It is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of early 17th‑century war imagery.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a chaotic clash, emphasizing the disorder and human cost of armed conflict. By focusing on the crowded melee and the presence of both infantry and cavalry, the image conveys the pervasive violence of war, reflecting the broader devastation experienced across Europe during the Thirty Years’ War.

Technique & Style

Although Callot is chiefly remembered for his intricate etchings, this work demonstrates his ability to translate that precision into a larger printed format. The fine line work and careful shading create a sense of depth and movement, while the dense arrangement of figures showcases his characteristic attention to detail.

History & Provenance

Executed in 1633, the print was likely informed by Callot’s own observations of contemporary military campaigns. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings in the 20th century, where it remains a key piece for studying the artist’s engagement with war themes and his contribution to the development of printmaking as a narrative medium.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacques Callot

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…