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The Dioscuri [Dorsal View]

Italian 16th Century

1550

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Mythology

Dominant colour

The Dioscuri [Dorsal View] is a 1550 ink by Italian 16th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Italian 16th Century
When & what style?: 1550 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows two nude men from behind. Their muscular backs twist slightly, like they’re about to step forward. The lines are sharp and precise. Lafreri used cross-hatching to build shadows and depth. The technique makes the skin look smooth and the muscles pop. It’s almost like he carved the light itself. The twins Castor and Pollux were mythical heroes. Look up the National Gallery of Art, Washington to see more prints like this.