The First Naval Battle

c. 1614

Jacques Callot

Associated Names
Jacques Callot

Artist, French, 1592 - 1635

This is a drawing of historical ships engaged in a naval battle. The artwork depicts large galleys surrounded by smaller vessels on a tumultuous sea, engaged in active combat. The foreground features a large galley with oars, masts, rigging, intricate hull details, and armed figures on the decks. Billowing smoke clouds hover above the ships. In the background, numerous other vessels display flags and banners, contributing to the sense of a large-scale naval engagement. The composition emphasizes order within chaos, with fine lines capturing the intricacy of ship design and the intensity of the battle.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper [restrike]

  • Credit Line

    Transferred from The Library of Congress

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 71 × 46.5 cm (27 15/16 × 18 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.50.122

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lieure, no. 157, State (restrike)

  • Series Title

    The Life of Ferdinando de' Medici

Artwork history & notes

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

Q74873617

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