La Petite Passion Series (The Small Passion Series)
Artist
Jacques Callot
(French, 1592–1635)
Date1616
MediumEtching on paper
DimensionsPlate: 2 15/16 x 2 1/8 inches (7.5 x 5.4 cm)
Sheet: 3 1/8 x 2 3/8 inches (7.9 x 6 cm)
Sheet: 3 1/8 x 2 3/8 inches (7.9 x 6 cm)
ClassificationsPrint
Credit LineIn memory of Richard L. and Ruth E. B. Watson, by their children, Richard L. Watson III, James B. Watson, and Patricia A. Bartlett
Object number2000.19.2.G
Collections
- EUROPEAN
- WORKS ON PAPER
Label TextJacques Callot is known for his extensive work designing and documenting theatrical scenes. Here the artist presents twelve etchings that progress before the viewer’s eyes like a Passion play—a dramatic representation of the final period of Christ’s life.
Often cited as the father of French etching and a master of the graphic arts, Callot executed approximately 1,500 etched plates depicting a variety of subjects, both secular and religious. The date of this series corresponds with Callot's time working in Florence at the Medici court of Cosimo II (1590-1621), whose reign was marked by a proliferation of theatrical events and festivities. It was at this time that Callot also perfected the technique of creating backgrounds in his prints of almost microscopic detail using a magnifying glass—a technique that was likely used here to compose these finely detailed miniatures.
Often cited as the father of French etching and a master of the graphic arts, Callot executed approximately 1,500 etched plates depicting a variety of subjects, both secular and religious. The date of this series corresponds with Callot's time working in Florence at the Medici court of Cosimo II (1590-1621), whose reign was marked by a proliferation of theatrical events and festivities. It was at this time that Callot also perfected the technique of creating backgrounds in his prints of almost microscopic detail using a magnifying glass—a technique that was likely used here to compose these finely detailed miniatures.