113. Iames Callot
Was a Gentleman of good esteem in Lorrain, born at Nancy in the year 1594. His father was Herauld at Armes to the Duke of Lorraine. In his youth he learned to Grave of one Croce, who made the stamps, by which the money of that Countrey was coined, after which he sojourned for some time with a Painter of Lorraine of sufficient ability; who taught him to design well; by whose Instructions having attained a com∣petent skill and Judgment, he travailed, in Company of some Gentlemen of Holland, to Italy, and dwelt a considerable time at Rome; there he applied himself to Etching, finding that more easy to him, and his performance in it freer then Graving; Which he did with so much application and industry, that his works were finished to a Miracle, and became the admiration of all, that had eyes to penetrate into the delicacy and beauty of them: The Duke of Tuscany one of the most curious and magnificent Princes, at that time in Europe, sent for him to Florence, and lodged him in his Palace, near his own Apartment, that he might have the satisfaction of seeing those delightful Curiosities, he was continually at work upon. Here it was, that he Graved, The great Market place at Flo∣rence, with so much art and skill that it is not easy to give it it's due commendation: His Miseries of War, The History of our Saviours passion, The Temptation of St Anthony, with a multi∣tude of others, show that he was the Miracle of an Artist for Miniature, and had not his fellow in this kind: He was after∣wards sent for home, by the Duke of Lorraine, where he marri∣ed a Lady of great beauty, rich, and young, with whom he lived the residue of his life in much content and satisfaction. He died much lamented at Nancy 23. Mark 1635. Aged 41. Years, and was buried in the Cordeliers Church, where his loving Consort caused a sumptuous Marble Tomb to be erected to his memory, with his Effigy and Coat of armes viz. Five golden stars in a field azure.