Artwork
Two Nymphs Beside a Pond
Two Nymphs Beside a Pond is a print by Ker-Xavier Roussel. It dates from 1930 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ker Xavier Roussel’s print Two Nymphs Beside a Pond, dated around 1930, is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work presents a quiet outdoor scene in which two mythological figures stand near a reflective body of water, framed by surrounding vegetation.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features two nymphs, figures drawn from classical mythology, positioned beside a pond. Their placement within a tranquil, natural environment suggests a contemplation of harmony between the human (or semi‑human) form and the landscape.
Technique & Style
Executed with a printmaking process, the image employs loose, gestural lines reminiscent of Impressionist approaches. Roussel favors muted hues and soft pastel tones, allowing subtle variations of light to convey atmospheric depth and the fleeting quality of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1930, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its presence in the museum’s collection provides a representative example of Roussel’s late‑period work and his engagement with mythological subject matter.
Artist & collection
