The Taking of the City of Jericho
1613
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1613
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows soldiers swarming Jericho’s walls as the city falls. The walls look flimsy, like paper. A few defenders fire arrows, but most just run. Tempesta made this in 1613. He used etching—a way to carve lines into metal plates. Ink fills the lines, then paper presses against them. It’s like drawing with acid. This style pops up in battle scenes. Try looking at Jacques Callot’s etchings next.
