St. Basil Celebrating the Sacrifice of the Mass [The Celebration of the Holy Mysteries], plate 12 from "Les Tableaux de Rome, Les Eglises Jubilaires" (The Paintings of Rome, The Churches Jubilee)

Art Historical Context

This delicate engraving captures a sacred moment from early Christian history, showing Saint Basil, a fourth-century bishop and theologian, celebrating the Holy Mass. Created as plate 12 in the series *Les Tableaux de Rome, Les Eglises Jubilaires*, the work belongs to a larger project documenting Rome’s jubilee churches and their devotional art. The small scale—measuring just over four inches high—suggests it was designed for intimate viewing, perhaps within a book or personal collection of prints. Jacques Callot, one of the seventeenth century’s most accomplished printmakers, translated a composition possibly originating with Girolamo Muziano into this finely detailed engraving. The second state of the plate reveals Callot’s refined technique, with crisp lines that convey both architectural setting and the reverent figures gathered around the altar. The inclusion of men, women, and saints reflects the communal nature of the liturgy, emphasizing the shared spiritual experience central to Counter-Reformation devotion. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum through the Elisha Whittelsey Fund, this print preserves a vivid record of Rome’s religious heritage during the early 1600s. Its modest size and precise craftsmanship invite modern viewers to appreciate the artistry that once helped pilgrims connect with sacred traditions.

About the Artist

Jacques Callot|Girolamo Muziano · 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...