The Second Naval Battle

Jacques Callot

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a naval scene with several ships engaged in a maritime confrontation. A large ship with billowing sails is firing its cannons, evident from the smoke rising from its decks. Other ships are also seen firing cannons, producing dense clouds of smoke. In the distance, more ships with sails and masts are visible against the horizon. The sky has textured clouds, and the composition is in monochrome, created with etching or engraving techniques to add depth and detail to the elements in the scene.