Pygmalion and Galatea
The Met
Artist: Jean-Léon Gérôme(French, Vesoul 1824–1904 Paris)
Date: ca. 1890
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 35 x 27 in. (88.9 x 68.6 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Louis C. Raegner, 1927
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A man embraces a pale, nude woman, possibly a statue, in a dimly lit artist's studio
Detailed Description
The painting depicts a scene within a dimly lit interior space, likely an artist's studio. In the center, a man with dark hair, wearing a blue tunic and brown boots, embraces a pale, nude woman. The woman's back is mostly to the viewer, her skin appearing smooth and white like marble. She leans into the man, who holds her waist with his right arm and her lower back with his left hand, his face pressed against her shoulder or neck. The man stands on a small wooden block, while the woman's feet rest on a rough, white base atop a wooden workbench. To the left, a large framed painting hangs on a dark wall, showing a landscape with small figures, some in red and white garments. Below the painting, several white classical-style sculptures of figures are arranged on shelves and pedestals. A wooden stand or easel is also visible on the floor. On the right wall, a winged figure with a bow and arrow floats on a cloud-like form in the upper section. Below the winged figure, on a shelf, are three masks: two with open mouths and exaggerated features, and one with a more neutral expression. A round, metallic shield leans against the wall beneath the masks. The floor is dark and appears to be a dusty or textured surface. A hammer with a dark handle and metallic head lies on the floor near the workbench. The overall color palette is subdued, dominated by dark greens and browns in the background, contrasting with the pale white of the central figure and other sculptures. The central figures are highlighted by a soft, focused light source.
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