Skirmish in a Roman Circus

c. 1617

Jacques Callot

Associated Names
Jacques Callot

Artist, French, 1592 - 1635

This is a drawing of a chaotic battle scene within a large amphitheater. The drawing presents various figures engaged in combat. Central to the image is a prominent figure in a dramatic gesture. Surrounding the central figure, numerous smaller figures are depicted with weapons, either engaging directly in battle or fleeing. The backdrop of the scene is an architectural structure reminiscent of a colosseum, with detailed tiered seating and arches. The sketch effectively captures the chaos and energy of the scene through dynamic positioning and expressive line work. The style of this drawing features elements typical of classical and historical battle illustrations.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 5.2 × 7.5 cm (2 1/16 × 2 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 6.3 × 8.5 cm (2 1/2 × 3 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1949.5.140

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lieure, no. 256, State only

  • Series Title

    Capricci (Florence series) [Lieure 214-263]

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1957

  • Jacques Callot, 1592-1635, Los Angeles County Museum, 1957, no. 36.

Bibliography

1924

  • Lieure, J. Jacques Callot. 5 vols. Paris: Editions de la Gazette des Beaux Arts, 1924-1927. Reprint. 8 vols. New York: Collectors' Editions, 1969.

Wikidata ID

Q65074362

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