The Firing Squad
1642
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1642
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Firing Squad is a 1642 ink by Gerrit van Schagen, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a chaotic battle scene with soldiers fighting and falling. Some men are on foot, others on horseback, and a few lie dead or wounded on the ground. A lone dog wanders near the center, while smoke rises in the background. Flags and weapons fill the scene, and the whole image is drawn in sharp, dark lines. The text below is in French, warning against disobedience and betrayal. This suggests the scene isn’t just a battle—it’s a lesson in chaos and punishment. Want to learn more? Check out the technique: etching.
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