The image depicts a street scene with a perspective view focusing on a large building with a series of arches and a sloped roof. The point of view is slightly elevated, allowing us to see multiple figures scattered across the open space leading up to the building. The horizon is high in the composition, creating a sense of depth and space. There are trees lined up in the distance behind the building. The artwork is rendered with fine lines, suggesting a technique consistent with an engraving or etching. The color palette is monochrome, composed of black lines on a tan background. Closest to us, a figure in a large hat gestures towards the scene, while other people and animals, including a small dog, are positioned around the square in various postures.
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The image depicts a street scene with a perspective view focusing on a large building with a series of arches and a sloped roof. The point of view is slightly elevated, allowing us to see multiple figures scattered across the open space leading up to the building. The horizon is high in the composition, creating a sense of depth and space. There are trees lined up in the distance behind the building. The artwork is rendered with fine lines, suggesting a technique consistent with an engraving or etching. The color palette is monochrome, composed of black lines on a tan background. Closest to us, a figure in a large hat gestures towards the scene, while other people and animals, including a small dog, are positioned around the square in various postures.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Almshouse

Jacques Callot

Date
c. 1622
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 5.6 × 8.1 cm (2 3/16 × 3 3/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1949.5.185
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Capricci (Nancy series) [Lieure 428-477]

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • Seated figure
  • Man
  • Building
  • Figures

NGA object ID 36626. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.