The Admission of Psyche to Olympia
1635
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1635
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a crowded scene of naked or half-dressed figures in dramatic poses. Some stand tall, holding staffs or musical instruments, while others sprawl on the ground or lean against rocks. The background is a rough, textured wall, and the whole image feels busy and full of movement. Notice how the artist used fine lines to create shadows and folds in the clothing, making the figures look three-dimensional. The mix of standing and lying bodies suggests a story about power or transformation. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this one used acid and metal plates to make prints.
![The Farnese Hercules, seen from behind [plate 4]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/075576b9459929be/thumb.webp)
![A Nude Fighting Man, side view, turned to left [plate 27]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/39122f796b85b2fb/thumb.webp)
![The Borghese Gladiator, front view [plate 26]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/5b649a5fe8c2f305/thumb.webp)
![The Farnese Hercules, three-quarter view turned to left [plate 3]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/b0564bebaad016fa/thumb.webp)
![The Medici Wrestlers, side view, turned to left [plate 36]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/c50b05437f8744ca/thumb.webp)
![The Farnese Hercules, front view [plate 2]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/cedb2cb031c3391b/thumb.webp)