Jupiter and Leda
1758
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1758
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows two figures wrapped in a tangle of vines and leaves. One is a woman with outstretched arms, the other a child curled against her. A bird with open wings sits nearby, blending into the dense foliage. The scene feels wild, with sharp lines and deep shadows. Notice how the artist used fine lines to create texture—every leaf and feather is detailed. This isn’t a painting but a print, made by carving into metal plates. Check out how etching works to see how artists like this made such precise prints.