Oedipus (Oedipe)
1876
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1876
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a man sitting on jagged rocks, holding a spear and looking down. Behind him, a winged figure leans over a cliff, peering into the distance. The scene is dark and rocky, with rough textures and shadows. The man’s bare chest and focused pose stand out against the rough landscape. This is a story from Greek myth, but the artist used sharp lines and shading to make it feel real. Next, check out the technique: engraving to see how artists like Gaillard carved these details.