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Figure Dressed as a Griffin

Alfred Grévin

1860

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Figure Dressed as a Griffin is a 1860 graphite by Alfred Grévin, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Alfred Grévin
When & what style?: 1860 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a person dressed up like a griffin—a mix of a human and a bird of prey. The figure wears a helmet with sharp feathers, a scaly body, and wings that spread wide. They hold a spear in one hand and a shield in the other, standing sideways like a knight ready for battle. The drawing is rough and quick, with loose lines that make the griffin look almost alive. The artist focused on the creature’s fierce, mythical side rather than perfect details. Next, look up Romanticism to see how this style used fantasy and drama in art.