Pygmalion

Pygmalion

Noël Le Mire

1778

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a man kneeling on one side, reaching toward a half-naked woman standing in the center. She has flowing hair and holds a small object in her hand. Behind her is a draped curtain, and to the right, another figure is leaning on a pillar, looking down. The scene has a mix of soft and sharp lines, with some areas shaded deeply. The woman’s pose and the man’s gesture suggest she’s come to life, a common story in art. This print was made using a technique that creates both fine lines and dark shadows. Look up etching to see how artists like Le Mire built up layers of detail.

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