The early works of Jacques Callot, a Baroque artist known for his depictions of cultural and social scenes from the early 17th century, reveal a theatrical world where princes, actors, dwarfs, and beggars coexist, and where carnival motifs intertwine with the grotesque. His compositions resemble stage scenes and emphasize life as a performance that merges the noble aspects of humanity with the comic and the fantastic. Aesthetic refinement and naturalism remain flawlessly integrated. The aim of this paper is to explore the aesthetics of grotesque and carnivalesque motifs in the artist’s etchings. These motifs are examined through series such as »Balli di Sfessania«, »Gobbi«, and »Capricci«. Special attention is given to his early Italian period, when the character of his art was still frivolous and lighthearted. The study also addresses the cultural environment and the broader theoretical context of the grotesque and carnival, as well as potential stylistic influences.
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