262 - CALLOT (Jacques). The Misery and Misfortunes of War. Depicted by Jacques Callot, a nobleman from Lorraine, and brought to light by his friend Israel. Paris, Israël Henriet, 1633 (later print, 19th century). A series of 18 engraved plates, including the title page, mounted on paper and bound in a red half-maroquin volume with a smooth spine and gilt title (19th-century binding).

CALLOT (Jacques). The Misery and Misfortunes of War. Depicted by Jacques Callot, a nobleman from Lorraine, and brought to light by his friend Israel. Paris, Israël Henriet, 1633 (later print, 19th century). A series of 18 engraved plates, including the title page, mounted on paper and bound in a red half-maroquin volume with a smooth spine and gilt title (19th-century binding). Famous series known as *The Great Misery of War*; this masterpiece by Jacques Callot (Nancy, 1592–1635) consists of 18 etchings. “These pages are of lofty inspiration and masterful composition. The engraver has rendered his subjects with incomparable artistry; his point is devoid of any harshness—it possesses a softness and depth in the blacks that does not exclude lightness, a particular charm that gives this work extraordinary life. Furthermore, the artist displays a skill as a landscape artist that astonishes even those who know him well. This entire series is a masterpiece of engraving. It reveals a mastery that no artist, in any era, has ever been able to elevate to a higher degree” (Lieure). In an innovation destined to become a classic, Jacques Callot had the idea of replacing the soft, “pliable” varnish used until then with the hard varnish used by cabinetmakers and luthiers. The engraver could thus revisit the work at will and, above all, imbue his lines with all the necessary delicacy. Some wear to the binding, marginal foxing, and the paper of the engravings has darkened.