Saint Simon

Art Historical Context

Jacques Callot's *Saint Simon* (1631) is a exquisite etching capturing the apostle Simon the Zealot, one of Christ's twelve disciples, rendered with the artist's signature intricacy. Created during the Baroque era amid the religious fervor of Counter-Reformation Europe, this small-scale print (plate: .7 × 8.8 cm) reflectsot's deep engagement with sacred subjects. A leading French printmaker associated with the Medici court in, Callot produced this as part of his renowned series of apostle etchings, blending spiritual devotion with masterful technical innovation. Etching on laid paper—a creamy, textured support typical of 17th-century European printmaking—allowed Callot to achieve unprecedented detail in miniature format. His pioneering "échille" technique, using a jagged tool for swelling lines, creates dynamic shading, expressive folds in the saint's robes, and a sense of ethereal light that draws the viewer into the divine. This method revolutionized printmaking, influencing generations and making religious imagery accessible beyond oil paintings. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-E Department from the R.L. Baumfeld Collection, *Saint Simon* exemplifies Callot's legacy in bridging artistry and piety, inviting visitors to ponder the saint's zeal in a turbulent age.

About the Artist

Jacques Callot · 1592–1635

Jacques Callot (1592–1635) was a French printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine, widely regarded as one of the first great artists to practice the graphic arts exclusively. His more than 1,400 etchings chronicled the breadth of 17th-century life, from Medici court festivities to the brutal realities of warfare. Callot revolutionized etching through technical innovations including the é...