Jacques Callot - Set Of 2 Engravings: "gobbi" - 17th Century - France

These 2 engravings by Jacques Callot are part of a series of 21 prints called “the Gobbi”. Numbered 11 and 19, they were published with the 19 others between 1620 and 1622. The latter represents a "gobbi", a character who inspired Jacques Callot during his trip to Italy (Florence) in 1616, which evokes the hunchbacks chosen to entertain the Grand Duke Cosimo II de Medici. Number 11: "The dualist with two swords" He wears a typically Italian outfit from the 17th century and carries two swords to perform his performance (apparently already in motion) Number 19: "The man who scratches the gate like a violin" The gobbi holds a grill - usually used as a metal kitchen utensil - to use as a violin to perform in front of Grand Duke Cosimo de' Medici.