Martyrdom of Saint Simon, from the series 'The little apostles' (Les petits apôtres)

Art Historical Context

Jacques Callot, a masterful French etcher of the Baroque era (1592–1635), created *Martyrdom of Saint* around 1632 as part of his poignant series *Les Petits Apôtres* (*The Little Apostles*). In this intimate etching, Callot depicts the martyrdom of Saint Simon the Zeot—one of Christ's apostles—in a dramatic, childlike tableau, blending innocence with the gruesome reality of sainthood. The tags evoke a vivid scene: angels witnessing the event, animals amid the chaos, and men enacting the saint's torment, reflecting the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on vivid martyrdoms to inspire faith during turbulent times like the Thirty Years' War. Callot's etching technique shines in this tiny plate (just 2 13/16 x 1 3/4 inches), where his innovative use of multiple biting and fine lines captures intricate details—expressive faces, fluttering robes, and dynamic action—in a format small enough for personal devotionals or collectors' albums. Printed on a sheet of 4 3/8 x 3 3/8 inches, it exemplifies his "petit format" style, making complex religious narratives accessible and portable. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Phyllis Massar, 2011), this work highlights Callot's legacy in printmaking, bridging art and piety for 17th-century audiences hungry for spiritual drama.

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...