The Triumph of Galatea
1650
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1650
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This print shows a muscular woman rising from the sea, surrounded by three smaller figures. The woman holds a seashell, with one arm outstretched while the others cling to her. Wavy lines around her suggest water, and clouds form the background. The tiny figures look like children or spirits, some floating, one kneeling. The artist used deep shadows and smooth shading to make the bodies look three-dimensional. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this shading trick works.
