Circle of Jacques Callot, “Crossing of the Red Sea”, c. 1630, after Callot

Unidentified printmaker from the circle of Jacques Callot (1592–1635)
“Crossing of the Red Sea” (also known as “Le Passage de la Mer Rouge”), circa 1630

Technical Details & Condition:

This etching is executed on fine handmade paper with reasonably wide margins (2–3 cm). It is a copy after Jacques Callot’s etching of the same design and in the same direction (Lieure 665 copy 3), published in Rome by Israël Henriet (c.1590–1661). The scene depicts Moses and Aaron in the foreground, with the Israelites further back, carrying the Ark of the Covenant through a passage in the Red Sea, which is seen engulfing Pharaoh’s army in the distance. The impression is well-printed, and the sheet is in excellent condition, free from tears or stains. On the reverse, there is a faint blind stamp and pencil notations from a previous collector.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 18 x 27.2 cm
• Plate mark: 12.7 x 23.2 cm
• Image borderline: 11.4 x 22.8 cm

Plate Lettering:

• Within the lower right image borderline: “Callot. in.”
• Lower centre: “Tabulam Hanc Æream Proprio et Exquisito Marte Incisam Iacobus Calottus Nobilis Lotharingus Dono Dedit Israeli Henrichetto Opus / Perfectissimum Amicorum Optimo et Sincerissimo.” (Latin dedication praising Callot’s skill and gifting the print as a “most perfect work” to his dear friend, Israel Henrichetto. Translated: “This copper plate, engraved by his own excellent skill, Jacobus Callottus, Nobleman of Lorraine, presented as a gift to Israel Henrichetto, most perfect work, to his best and sincerest friend.”)
• Lower left: “Romæ ex Chalcographia R.C.A. apud Pedem Marmorcum”—meaning “From the Chalcography of the R.C.A. [Reverenda Camera Apostolica] in Rome, at the Marble Foot [a location near a landmark marble fragment in Rome].”

References:

• Lieure 665, copy 3 (Jules Lieure, Jacques Callot: Catalogue Raisonné de l’Œuvre Gravé, 1989, San Francisco, Alan Wofsy, vol. 1, p. 26, cat. no. 665, copy 3).
• Meaume 1, copy (Édouard Heaume, Recherches sur la vie et les ouvrages de Jacques Callot: suite au peintre-graveur français de M. Robert-Dumesnil, 1860, vol. 1, Paris, J. Renouard, p. 41 [see https://archive.org/details/gri_33125001461884/page/n203/mode/2up])

Please note: the original etching by Jacques Callot is still available and can be viewed here: https://www.printsandprinciples.com/2019/12/jacques-callots-etching-crossing-of-red.html

Price & Shipping:

AU$271 (approximately US$179.24 / €153 / £133.97), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this remarkable Baroque etching—despite its small size, it captures a vast biblical narrative—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.