Artwork
Andromeda
Andromeda is a print by the Baroque artist Lorenzo Lolli. It dates from 1604 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Lorenzo Lolli’s print titled Andromeda, executed around 1604, is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The image portrays the mythological heroine Andromeda in a moment of peril, set within a dramatic seascape that includes a monstrous sea creature and a distant winged figure wielding a spear.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a nude Andromeda, kneeling on a rock with her arms uplifted in a gesture of distress, embodying vulnerability and fear. The looming sea monster represents the threat she faces, while the winged figure in the background suggests the impending rescue by Perseus, underscoring themes of danger and salvation in classical mythology.
Technique & Style
Lolli employs pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated forms against deep shadows to create a three‑dimensional effect and heighten emotional intensity. The stark lighting, dynamic arrangement of figures, and dramatic cloud‑filled sky are hallmarks of the Baroque aesthetic, emphasizing movement and theatrical tension within the print.
History & Provenance
Created in the early seventeenth century, the print has been documented as part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings. Its attribution to Lolli and dating to circa 1604 are based on stylistic analysis and museum records, confirming its place within the artist’s oeuvre and the broader Baroque print tradition.
Artist & collection
