Jacques Callot, “L'Hospice”, 1617–1620

Jacques Callot (1592–1635)

“L'Hospice” (The Almshouse—an institution offering accommodation and care for the poor), 1617–1620, a strong lifetime impression of the first state (of two), from the series, “Les Caprices” (Series B, “The Nancy Set”), dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici (1599–1648) (see the description of this print offered by the MET: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/418077).

Etching on fine laid paper with narrow margins around the platemark.

Size: (sheet) 5.7 x 8.3 cm; (platemark) 5.5 x 8 cm; (image borderline) 5.4 x 7.9 cm.

State i (of ii) from the second plate before the addition of the plate number “36” at the lower right corner of state ii. Note that the first plate/version of this print (Lieure 251) features the cane supporting the elderly woman in the centre of the scene with a single line whereas in this, the second plate, the cane is rendered with two lines. Moreover, the figures shown on the far left are not cropped in the first plate.

Lieure 465 (Jules Lieure 1989, “Jacques Callot: Catalogue Raisonné de l’Œuvre Gravé”, San Francisco, Alan Wofsy, vol 1 [text], p. 98, cat. nos. 251, 465 [B] 1^er Etat).

The Art Institute Chicago offers a description of this print and the following explanation of the series, “Les Caprices”, in which it features: “In the 17th century, the word capriccio generally indicated a musical composition that thwarted listeners’ expectations with sudden changes in tempo, rhythm, or structure that appeared to be made according to the performer’s whim, or caprice. Jacques Callot borrowed the term to describe a series of etchings with a wide variety of diverting subjects including peasants, architectural sites, military [manoeuvres], and musicians. Among other motifs, he depicted two pairs of dancers frolicking and playing musical instruments and a shepherd playing a flute” (https://www.artic.edu/artworks/131528/the-home-from-the-caprices).

Condition: a strong and well-printed impression with narrow margins. The sheet is in an excellent condition, free from tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or stains.

Price & Shipping: AU$280 (approx. US$181.89 / €157.21 / £138.20), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this rare first-state, lifetime impression of a museum-quality etching by one of the master printmakers of the 17th century, Jacques Callot, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly provide a PayPal invoice to ensure a simple and secure payment process.

This print has been sold