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Combat à la barrière (Combat at the Barriers)
Combat à la barrière (Combat at the Barriers)
Public domain: Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.

Combat à la barrière (Combat at the Barriers)

Artist/Culture (French, 1592–1635)
Date1627
MediumEtching on cream laid paper
Dimensions13.5 x 24 cm (5 5/16 x 9 7/16 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
Markingsl.c.: title; l.r.: "Jac. Callot in et fec"
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1953.7
Label TextThis print is from a series commemorating a tournament sponsored by Duke Charles IV of Lorraine in honor of the Duchess of Chevreuse, who was in exile after being implicated in a plot to assassinate the Cardinal de Richelieu. Combat at the barriers was a form of tournament sport in which the competitors fought on foot with spears and swords, separated by a barrier that helped reduce the risk of injury. Tournament sports originally served as practice for warfare, but by the 1600s they emphasized spectacle over combat. The contestants here wear sumptuous costumes in addition to their armor, and they have made their entrance accompanied by elaborate floats, one of which can be seen on the right.ProvenanceDavid James, Providence, RI
On View
Not on view