Four Dancing Muses
1497
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1497
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Four Dancing Muses is a 1497 ink by Andrea Mantegna, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows four women dancing in a line, their arms linked. They wear loose, flowing robes that move with their steps. One woman on the right holds a staff, while the others have their hands on each other’s shoulders or hips. The background is simple, with just a few faint lines to suggest a floor. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, making the fabric look textured. This was a common way to add detail in engravings. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one made prints.
