← Johann Friedrich Leybold

Phoebe and Hilaeria, the daughters of Leucippus, being abducted by Castor and Pollux (1798–1838)

Original title: Phoebe and Hilaeria, the daughters of Leucippus, being abducted by Castor and Pollux

Artist

Johann Friedrich Leybold

Date

1798–1838

Medium

Etching and engraving

Dimensions

Image: 15 1/2 × 14 5/16 in. (39.3 × 36.4 cm) Sheet: 16 15/16 × 15 1/8 in. (43 × 38.4 cm)

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Olga Sichel and Max Philippson, 1962

kurzbeschreibung

Created between 1798 and 1838, this etching and engraving by Johann Friedrich Leybold portrays the abduction of the Leucippides by the Dioscuri.

Description

Two male figures carry off two women who struggle fiercely. The women are barefoot and wear simple garments, while the men are clothed. Horses and a putto appear in the background, accompanying the dramatic action.

Context

The subject derives from Greek mythology: Castor and Pollux abduct the daughters of Leucippus. The print was made between 1798 and 1838, a period when classical themes were frequently taken up in art. Leybold, an Austrian artist, was known for his detailed printmaking.

Impact

The tight framing brings the interplay of the figures to the fore and underscores the dynamism of the moment. Strong contrasts and the animated rendering generate a tension-filled drama.

Technique

Etching and engraving allow fine lines and graduated shading. The linear work emphasizes the surfaces of the garments and the movement of horses and figures.

AI-generated description text

Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)