Death of Judas, from the series 'The little apostles' (Les petits apôtres)

Art Historical Context

In the intricate etching *Death of Judas, from series 'The little apostles' (Les petitsôtres)*, created around 1632 by master printmaker Jacques Callot with publisher Israël Henriet, visitors encounter a dramatic biblical scene rendered in miniature scale. Part of Callot's renowned series of tiny etchings depicting apostles and key New Testament moments, this work captures Judas Iscariot's suicide by hanging, a poignant symbol of betrayal and remorse following his betrayal of Jesus. Measuring just 2 13/16 x 1 3/4 inches on the plate, these "little apostles" showcase Callot's virtuosity in compressing intense narrative into pocket-sized formats, ideal for devotional use or collectors during the Baroque era. Callot, a leading French etcher of the 17th century, revolutionized printmaking with his meticulous technique, using acid to bite fine lines into metal plates for unprecedented detail and tonal range. This allowed him to evoke emotion through crowded compositions, dynamic poses, and expressive faces—hallmarks of Baroque drama influenced by Counter-Reformation fervor. The etching's small size belies its technical sophistication, making it a marvel of precision that rivaled painting in expressive power. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Phyllis Massar, 2011), this piece reflects 17th-century Europe's deep engagement with religious storytelling through affordable prints, bridging elite art and popular piety. A testament to Callot's legacy, it invites close inspection to uncover layers of tragedy and artistry.

About the Artist

Jacques Callot|Israël Henriet · 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...