Who painted Narcissus?

Narcissus was painted by Étienne Dupérac in 1550.

Where can I see Narcissus?

Narcissus is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Narcissus?

Narcissus is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Narcissus?

Museum-quality prints of Narcissus are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Narcissus

Étienne Dupérac , 1550

Narcissus is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Étienne Dupérac. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Étienne Dupérac’s etching titled Narcissus, dated to 1550, presents a dramatic landscape rendered in monochrome on laid paper. A massive tree dominates the foreground, its stout trunk and upward‑reaching branches set against a cloudy, gray sky. Beyond the tree, distant mountains rise beside a body of water, creating a sense of depth and atmospheric tension.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a solitary tree, a common emblem of nature’s resilience, juxtaposed with a turbulent sky that suggests an impending storm. While the title references the mythological figure Narcissus, the image does not depict the figure directly; instead, the stark environment may evoke themes of reflection and the fleeting nature of beauty within a volatile setting.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching, the work employs bold, expressive lines and a limited palette of black, gray, and white highlights. The use of laid paper adds a subtle texture that interacts with the incised marks, enhancing the sense of movement in the clouds and foliage. The chiaroscuro effect heightens the dramatic contrast between light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑16th century, Narcissus is part of Dupérac’s early print output. The print entered the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, where it remains catalogued as an example of Renaissance printmaking. Its acquisition history prior to the museum is not extensively documented.

Context

Dupérac, known for his topographical and architectural prints, produced Narcissus during a period when etching was gaining prominence among artists seeking to capture atmospheric effects. The work reflects Renaissance interests in natural observation and the interplay of human‑made and natural forms, aligning with contemporary explorations of landscape as a subject in its own right.