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The Float of Mount Parnassus

French 17th Century

1616

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

The Float of Mount Parnassus is a 1616 ink by French 17th Century, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: French 17th Century
When & what style?: 1616 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a busy scene with two groups of people. On the left, a group stands on a rocky shore near a tree, looking toward the water. On the right, another group floats on a giant rock or island, with one person playing a flute. The water is choppy, and the whole scene looks like it’s in motion, with swirling lines and dramatic shapes. The floating rock is packed with figures, some playing instruments, others standing or sitting. The artist used sharp, quick lines to show energy and movement, almost like the scene is alive. The mix of land, water, and people suggests this isn’t just a landscape—it’s a story. Next, look up etching to see how this technique creates such detailed, textured lines.