Circe
1550
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Italian 16th Century
A 16th-century Italian sculptor left us small bronze works in dark brown and gold.
See the richer artist page1550
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Circe is a 1550 ink by Italian 16th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a dramatic scene with a woman surrounded by writhing bodies. She stands in the center, holding a staff, while animals—part human, part beast—twist around her. The background is a dark, textured orange, making the figures pop in stark black and white. The artist used a technique called *chiaroscuro*, where strong light and shadow create depth. This style was popular in Renaissance prints to add drama. Look up technique: woodcut to see how this print was made.
A 16th-century Italian sculptor left us small bronze works in dark brown and gold.
See the richer artist page
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