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La Petite Passion Series (The Small Passion Series)
La Petite Passion Series (The Small Passion Series)
Photo by Peter Paul Geoffrion

La Petite Passion Series (The Small Passion Series)

Artist (French, 1592–1635)
Date1616
MediumEtching on paper
DimensionsPlate: 2 7/8 x 2 1/4 inches (7.3 x 5.7 cm)
Sheet: 3 x 2 5/16 inches (7.6 x 5.9 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.H
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.