Artwork preview

Plundering and Burning a Village

Gerrit van Schagen after Jacques Callot

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a chaotic village scene with buildings on fire and animals amidst the commotion. The drawing depicts a scene of distress and disruption. The village consists of several houses, some of which are in flames with smoke billowing into the sky. In the foreground, numerous animals like cows and sheep are depicted, some being herded by individuals. There are carts laden with goods or possibly people, and evidence of hurried movement with many figures carrying personal belongings or leading livestock. The composition is dense with detail, capturing a moment of crisis, with structures in various states of damage and a bustling human and animal presence conveying urgency and disorder.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1642/1680
Medium
etching and engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
5312 × 2430 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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