The Hanging

Gerrit van Schagen after Jacques Callot

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing depicting a scene of execution in a military camp. In the center, a large tree dominates the composition with numerous figures hanging from its branches. Beneath the tree, the ground is scattered with what appears to be discarded garments or bodies. In the foreground, there are soldiers with muskets and a drummer boy. Two additional groups are shown in discussion or observation. The background shows a large encampment with many tents. The detailed line work conveys the somber atmosphere of the scene.