The Ordeal by Arrows (Saint Sebastian)

c. 1632/1633

Jacques Callot

Associated Names
Jacques Callot

Artist, French, 1592 - 1635

The image displays a view of architectural ruins with various figures engaged in activities. The central perspective leads the eye through a broad path where people are active. Ruined buildings, resembling ancient Roman architecture, appear on both sides. Delicate lines create texture and depth in the etching-style illustration, with a monochromatic color palette. Figures on horseback and foot, some with weapons, are close to the viewer. Clusters of people gather around the ruins, with more structures and figures visible in the distance.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    R.L. Baumfeld Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 16.3 × 32.8 cm (6 7/16 × 12 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1969.15.111

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lieure, no. 670, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1963

  • Jacques Callot: a selection of prints from the collections of Rudolf L. Baumfeld and Lessing J. Rosenwald, NGA, 1963, no. 55, repro.

1975

  • Jacques Callot: Prints and Related Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1975, no. 152, repro.

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.

1996

  • Nelson, Robert S. and Richard Schiff, eds. Critical Terms for Art History. Chicago, 1996: 10, fig. 1.1.

Wikidata ID

Q65509109

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