Created:
Movement:
1690
Baroque
key Notes:
"Chiaroscuro" and "Mythological Reflection."
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Dimensions:
12 1/4 x 10 1/4 in. (31.1 x 26 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

Godfried Schalcken's painting "Narcissus," created in the late 17th century, depicts the mythological figure of Narcissus gazing at his reflection in a pool of water, embodying themes of vanity and self-obsession prevalent in Baroque art. The work exemplifies Schalcken's mastery of chiaroscuro and his ability to convey emotional depth, contributing to the broader discourse on the interplay between light and shadow in Dutch painting of the period.

Description of the work:

Godfried Schalcken's painting "Narcissus" (circa 1680) depicts the mythological figure of Narcissus gazing intently at his reflection in a pool of water, rendered with a chiaroscuro technique that emphasizes the play of light and shadow across his delicate features and the surrounding foliage. The composition is characterized by its intimate scale and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the textures of Narcissus's skin and the natural elements, which collectively evoke a sense of both beauty and melancholy.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Narcissus