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Ercole in Riposo, by Francesco Piranesi, 1850

Ercole in Riposo

Francesco Piranesi

1850

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Overview

Ercole in Riposo is a 1850 by Francesco Piranesi, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?
Francesco Piranesi
When & what style?
1850
Where can I see it?
Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print depicts a nude male figure, Ercole in Riposo, standing on a pedestal with his weight shifted onto his right leg. His left leg is relaxed, and he holds a cloth draped over his left shoulder. The figure is rendered in a classical style, with attention to the muscles and contours of the body. The print is executed in a detailed and realistic manner, with shading that gives the figure a sense of volume and depth. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume, adds to the overall effect of the print. The level of detail and realism in the print suggests a high level of skill and craftsmanship on the part of the artist. To learn more about the techniques used in this print, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.

About the artist

More by Francesco Piranesi

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