Jacques Callot, Les Caprices, 1617, Engraving, Framed

This engraving is part of a series of 50 etchings. It consists of 48 caprices, a frontispiece and a dedication to Lorenzo de' Medici, brother of Cosimo II de' Medici. It is a first state (unnumbered engraving). It dates from 1617. It represents two dancers, probably those seen in Florence. It is called: "The Caprices: the trousers looking at each other".

Dimension 1.96x ; w: 2.75 inches
10.23 x 7.87 inches with frame.

Jacques Callot was a 17th century draughtsman and engraver from Lorraine. He is considered one of the masters of etching. His engravings are characterised by a great sharpness and also a 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 workshop of Philippe Thomassin, who taught him the technique of engraving with a burin.

At the end of 1611, he joined Florence and received the Medici protectorate. He produced 15 of the 29 plates entrusted to Antonio Tempesta, where he experimented with etching. He then became the engraver for the festivities organised at the Uffizi Palace.

from 1621, he returned to Lorraine. He then published picturesque series based on his memories of Italy, the Bali and the Gobbi. He also produced a series called The Beggars. He also began work on a series of 490 plates making up Le Livre des Saints, published after his death. During this period he also produced a sequel called Les Bohémiens, as well as Les Supplices.

His main work remains a series of eighteen engravings called Les Misères et les malheurs de la guerre. This work deals with the devastation caused by the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).