Not currently on display at the V&A

Varie figure gobbi di Iacopo Callot

Print
ca. 17th century (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Engraving of a dwarf with a plumed hat playing the violin from Jacques Callot's Varie figure gobbi di Iacopo Callot, from a set of twenty-one plates, ca. 17th century, Harry Beard Collection.

These engravings of a troupe of grotesque dwarf entertainers knows as Les Gobbi. They performed in Italy for the Medici Court when Callot was working there recording court entertainment. Dwarfs would have been regarded as amusing, and a troupe dancing and singing would have been a great novelty in the 17th century.

Born in Nancy, in Lorriane, Jacques Callot studied art and printmaking in Italy and later worked under the direct patronage of the Medicis in Florence, where he established his reputation as a fine print artist. Callot was a master of expressing the horrors and joys of 17th century life and was popular all over Europe. He returned to Nancy in 1621 after the death of Cosimo Medici and is perhaps best known today for the fine series of engravings he executed of Commedia dell'Arte characters, many of whom were also later copied for ceramics.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleVarie figure gobbi di Iacopo Callot (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Engraving, printed ink on paper
Brief description
Engraving of a dwarf with a plumed hat playing the violin from Jacques Callot's Varie figure gobbi di Iacopo Callot, ca. 17th century, Harry Beard Collection
Physical description
Engraving of a dwarf with a plumed hat playing the violin
Dimensions
  • Height: 6.5cm
  • Width: 10cm
Credit line
Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard.
Subject depicted
Literary referenceCommedia dell' arte
Summary
Engraving of a dwarf with a plumed hat playing the violin from Jacques Callot's Varie figure gobbi di Iacopo Callot, from a set of twenty-one plates, ca. 17th century, Harry Beard Collection.

These engravings of a troupe of grotesque dwarf entertainers knows as Les Gobbi. They performed in Italy for the Medici Court when Callot was working there recording court entertainment. Dwarfs would have been regarded as amusing, and a troupe dancing and singing would have been a great novelty in the 17th century.

Born in Nancy, in Lorriane, Jacques Callot studied art and printmaking in Italy and later worked under the direct patronage of the Medicis in Florence, where he established his reputation as a fine print artist. Callot was a master of expressing the horrors and joys of 17th century life and was popular all over Europe. He returned to Nancy in 1621 after the death of Cosimo Medici and is perhaps best known today for the fine series of engravings he executed of Commedia dell'Arte characters, many of whom were also later copied for ceramics.
Other number
Collection
Accession number
S.1576-2012

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Record createdNovember 26, 2012
Record URL
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