Destruction of a Convent

Gerrit van Schagen after Jacques Callot

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a historical town setting. The drawing shows a densely populated town scene with a prominent building featuring classical architectural features such as columns, arches, and statues. In the foreground, there is a commotion involving cavalry on horseback and disheveled individuals. Objects like swords, containers, and belongings are scattered on the ground. In the background, figures are seen, some in groups with poles. The detailed line work captures the texture of the buildings, garments of the individuals, and conveys a sense of urgency and disorder.