Engraving "Les Gueux" by Jacques Callot, 17th century

These engravings are part of a series of 25 prints called "the beggars" or "the beggars", "the barons", "the barons". Numbered 12 and 16, they were published with the other 23 between 1622 and 1623 in nancy (france). The number 12 represents a beggar (person living on alms) dressed in a simple cloak, head and feet uncovered. The number 16 represents a beggar who uses her crutches to stand. Dimensions: sheet: 5.9 X 9.05 inches visual: 3.93 X 5.9 inches jacques callot was a draftsman and engraver from lorraine in the 17th century. He is considered one of the masters of engraving. His engravings are characterized by great sharpness and deep inking. The scenes depicted are very abundant on rather small surfaces. He began an apprenticeship in rome in 1609. There he joined his friend israel henriet. There he met artists such as antonio tempesta, an aquafortist. He entered the studio of philippe thomassin, who taught him the technique of engraving with a chisel. At the end of 1611, he went to florence and received the medici protectorate. He made 15 of the 29 plates entrusted to antonio tempesta, where he experimented with engraving. He then became the engraver of the festivities organized at the uffizi palace. From 1621, he returned to lorraine. He then published picturesque series based on his memories of italy, bali and gobbi. He also produced a series called les mendiants. He also began work on a series of 490 plates constituting the book of saints, published after his death. During this period, he also produced a sequel entitled les bohémiens, as well as les supplices. His main work remains a series of eighteen engravings entitled les misères et les malheurs de la guerre. This work deals with the devastation caused by the thirty years' war (1618-1648).

Ref. : 8TVKD857