Zeus and Hera
1895
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1895
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a bearded man and a woman in flowing robes, sitting on a rocky surface. Around them are two small cherubic figures, one floating and one crawling. The man’s arm stretches out, while the woman holds a piece of cloth. The background is faint, with just hints of trees and sky. The artist used soft, blended lines to create smooth shapes and shadows, giving the figures a gentle, almost dreamy look. The paper shows signs of wear, like it’s been handled a lot. Look up scumbling to see how artists use loose, feathery strokes to build up light and shadow.
