Artwork
Narcissus at the Spring
Narcissus at the Spring is an ink print by the Baroque artist Laurent de La Hyre. It dates from 1624 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1624, this print by Laurent de La Hyre presents a solitary figure beside a woodland spring. Executed as an etching on laid paper, the composition balances a tranquil natural setting with a focused study of the central character, whose reflective pose dominates the scene. The work exemplifies the restrained clarity associated with early French neoclassicism.
Subject & Meaning
The image draws on the classical tale of Narcissus, portraying the youth seated on a bank, his gaze fixed on his own image in the water. Dressed in a draped garment and holding a staff, he appears absorbed in self‑contemplation, inviting contemplation of vanity and self‑knowledge that were popular moral themes in 17th‑century art.
Technique & Style
La Hyre employs fine etching lines to render the texture of the robe’s folds and the rippling surface of the spring. Strong chiaroscuro contrasts illuminate the figure against a darker foliage backdrop, creating depth and a subtle drama. The overall execution reflects the Parisian Atticist tendency toward precise drawing and measured composition.
History & Provenance
Born in Paris in 1606, La Hyre was a prominent advocate of the neoclassical current that emerged in the early Baroque period. This particular etching, produced early in his career, demonstrates his engagement with classical subjects. While specific ownership records are limited, the print has been cited in several catalogues of French printmaking from the 17th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Laurent de La Hyre (French pronunciation: ; 27 February 1606 – 28 December 1656) was a French Baroque painter, born in Paris. He was a leading exponent of the neoclassical style of Parisian Atticism.
