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Triton Carrying a Child

Nicoletto da Modena

1507

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Mythology

Dominant colour

Triton Carrying a Child is a 1507 ink by Nicoletto da Modena, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Nicoletto da Modena
When & what style?: 1507 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

In this engraving, a muscular, half-human, half-fish figure is depicted. The figure has a prominent beard and long hair, and is shown carrying a child on its back. The child is holding a plant with leaves, while the figure grasps a staff adorned with leaves in its right hand. The scene is set against a backdrop of wavy lines, suggesting water. The figure's fish-like lower body is visible, complete with fins and a tail. The overall atmosphere of the image is one of dynamic movement, with the figure and child appearing to be in motion. The use of cross-hatching in this engraving adds depth and texture to the image, creating a sense of volume and dimensionality. For more on the technique of cross-hatching, look up the term "cross-hatching".