Artwork
Perseus and Andromeda
Perseus and Andromeda is a print by the Impressionist artist Nicolas-François Chifflart. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Perseus and Andromeda is a print by François-Nicolas Chifflart, part of his 1865 series Improvisations on Copper. It showcases the artist's experimental approach to etching.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the mythological scene of Perseus rescuing Andromeda, who is chained to a rock by the sea. Perseus is shown arriving on a winged horse, creating a dynamic and urgent atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Chifflart drew directly onto copper plates, allowing for a loose and expressive style. The resulting print features scratchy lines and chiaroscuro effects, with dark and light shapes interacting to create a sense of tension.
History & Provenance
The print is part of Chifflart's Improvisations on Copper series, created in 1865. Chifflart was a key figure in the 19th-century French etching revival, and his work reflects the medium's potential for experimentation and intimacy.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nicolas-François Chifflart (1825–1901) was a French artist, born in Saint-Omer.
