The Large Passion
Jacques Callot (1592-1635), The Large Passion, 7 etchings (3 are illustrated), 1619-1624. Reference: Lieure 281-287. Five in the first state, one in the second and one in the third state, as discussed below. Each in very good condition with thread or small margins trimmed outside of the platemark (L287 with a tiny losses lower right margin tip and upper edge), remains of prior hinging on several, archivally mounted, each approximately 4 1/2 x 8 3/4 inches.
States: Lieure 281 (Washing of Hands) second state (of 4)(the first state is extremely rare); L282 (Last Supper) first state (of 4); L283 (Condemnation) first state (of 2); L284 (Crowning of Thorns) third state (of 4); L285 (Presentation to the People) first state (of 3); L286 (Carrying to the Cross) first state (of 3); L287 (Crucifixion) first state (of 2).
Lieure 281, 286 and 287 have the Cross of Lorraine watermarks (Lieure watermark numbers 29 and 30).
A fine set of this monumental work, with most impressions in the first state.
Provenance: Maurice Rousseau, Paris (as indicated on mat).
The Large Passion is one of Callot’s larger format religious sets. Most of the portrayals are set as on a stage. For example, the Presentation to the People is set in classic architecture, with Christ isolated in the center background, and larger more darkly etched figures in the foreground. This theatrical approach would be used repeatedly by future generations of artists.
This set is complete, but Callot may have contemplated a larger grouping; he made sketches for as many as fourteen scenes for a Large Passion, most of which today are in the Collection of the Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth; other preparatory drawings, including sketches of figures found in the Large Passion, can be found in the Louvre, the Morgan Library, and the National Gallery in Washington.
