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Jacques Callot

The Shepherd Playing a Flute, from The Caprices

c. 1622
Etching in black on ivory laid paper
5.3 × 8 cm (2.1 × 3.1 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

In the 17th century, the word capriccio generally indicated a musical composition that thwarted listeners’ expectations with sudden changes in tempo, rhythm, or structure that appeared to be made according to the performer’s whim, or caprice. Jacques Callot borrowed the term to describe a series of etchings with a wide variety of diverting subjects including peasants, architectural sites, military maneuvers, and musicians. Among other motifs, he depicted two pairs of dancers frolicking and playing musical instruments and a shepherd playing a flute.

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More by Jacques Callot

Sketches for the Balli di Sfessania (recto) Sketches of Dancers (verso)Sketches for the Balli di Sfessania (recto) Sketches of DancThe Combat of AvigliamoThe Combat of AvigliamoThe Feast of Saint James, Florence, July 25, 1619The Feast of Saint James, Florence, July 25, 1619The Fair at ImprunetaThe Fair at ImprunetaThe Palace Gardens at NancyThe Palace Gardens at NancyLes Miseres Et Les Mal-Heurs De La Guerre...IsraelLes Miseres Et Les Mal-Heurs De La Guerre...IsraelThe Temptation of Saint Anthony (second version)The Temptation of Saint Anthony (second version)Franca Trippa - Fritellino, from the Balli di SfessaniaFranca Trippa - Fritellino, from the Balli di Sfessania

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