Ermafrodito
17th century
Rubens uses vibrant red chalk to trace the sensual, twisting back of the Sleeping Hermaphroditus, likely copying the famous ancient sculpture he studied during his time in Italy. The figure reclines in a dreamy pose, draped in flowing fabric that accentuates the soft curves—a hallmark of the Baroque love for fleshy, dynamic forms. Interestingly, the original marble statue this is based on features a mattress carved by the legendary sculptor Bernini, though here Rubens focuses purely on the human form and the interplay of light and shadow on the skin.
- Technique
- Red chalk
- Material
- Paper
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