This is a drawing of a battle scene with soldiers, fortifications, and ships. The composition portrays a historical military engagement with soldiers wearing armor and plumed helmets, holding muskets and spears. In the foreground, officers direct the formation and attack. A group of soldiers is organized into a formation, some kneeling and some standing with weapons aimed. A fortified wall is depicted, with soldiers using ladders and firing from the top. In the distance, several masted ships suggest a maritime aspect to the scene. The style and execution exhibit meticulous linework and shading typical of engravings from the baroque period, reflecting a focus on detail, motion, and tension.
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This is a drawing of a battle scene with soldiers, fortifications, and ships. The composition portrays a historical military engagement with soldiers wearing armor and plumed helmets, holding muskets and spears. In the foreground, officers direct the formation and attack. A group of soldiers is organized into a formation, some kneeling and some standing with weapons aimed. A fortified wall is depicted, with soldiers using ladders and firing from the top. In the distance, several masted ships suggest a maritime aspect to the scene. The style and execution exhibit meticulous linework and shading typical of engravings from the baroque period, reflecting a focus on detail, motion, and tension.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Assault on Two Fortresses

Jacques Callot

Date
c. 1614
Medium
engraving on laid paper [restrike]
Dimensions
sheet: 71 × 46.5 cm (27 15/16 × 18 5/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1986.50.116
Credit line
Transferred from The Library of Congress
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
The Life of Ferdinando de' Medici

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • Ship
  • Battle
  • Costume
  • Figures
  • Wall

NGA object ID 67795. 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.