Firing the Musket

Jacques Callot

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of three soldiers handling muskets in various positions. The drawing illustrates three figures, each engaged in a different action with their muskets. The first figure on the left is holding a musket with a long barrel resting on a support. The middle figure is preparing to fire, standing with legs apart and readying the musket. The figure on the right is shown in the act of firing, smoke emerging from the weapon. All three figures are adorned in period attire, with ornate hats featuring long feathers. The drawing contains text at the bottom, which appears to be a form of Latin inscription.