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Mythological Figures

Taddeo Zuccaro

1561

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Putti

Dominant colour

Mythological Figures is a 1561 ink by Taddeo Zuccaro, a Renaissance work, depicting Putti, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Taddeo Zuccaro
When & what style?: 1561 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

Taddeo Zuccaro draws myth gods with pen and chalk on paper. White highlights make the figures pop against brown ink. The paper’s red tint peeks through, giving a warm glow. This is a study sheet, not a final painting. Zuccaro used it to work out poses and details before the real work. You can see quick lines where he erased and redrew. See how he shades with tiny lines called cross-hatching. It builds shadows fast. Look up Zuccaro, Taddeo.