Illustration to Jean Desmarets' "L'Ariane"

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a dramatic scene with three figures. A muscular man lifts a woman into the air, while another woman below reaches up toward them. The sky is filled with clouds and small cherubs holding musical instruments. On the ground, there’s a broken column, a helmet, and a shield—like the ruins of something important. The artist used fine lines to show movement and emotion, even though it’s just ink on paper. The figures look like they’re from a story, not real people. Next, check out etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.