The Firing Squad

c. 1633

Jacques Callot

Associated Names
Jacques Callot

Artist, French, 1592 - 1635

This is a drawing of a military camp and firing squad scene. The drawing shows a group of soldiers in a formation, with some aiming their rifles towards figures lying on the ground. Smoky clouds are visible, suggesting gunfire. There are tents and a watchtower in the background, indicating a military encampment. The foreground includes a dog standing attentively, and a person tied to a wooden post on the right side. The image is detailed with various soldiers either standing or on horseback, and banners are being held aloft. The stylized line work captures the movement and atmosphere of a military execution scenario.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 8 × 18.6 cm (3 1/8 × 7 5/16 in.)
    sheet: 10.4 × 21.2 cm (4 1/8 × 8 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.2225

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lieure, no. 1350, State ii/iii

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. 54k.

1967

  • When Reason Dreams: A Selection of Prints from Five Centuries Illustrating Artistic Concerns with the Imagination, the Fantastic and the Grotesque, University of South Florida, Tampa; Duke University, Durham, NC; University of Florida, Gainesville; and Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1967, no. 26.

1971

  • A Selection of 17th Century Intaglio Prints from the National Gallery of Art Rosenwald Collection, New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, 1971-1972, no. 7 or 8.

1975

  • Jacques Callot: Prints and Related Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1975, no. 206, 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.

Wikidata ID

Q64958742

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