Zittende Leda met de zwaan 1850 - 1920

"Zittende Leda met de zwaan" is a pencil drawing by Ferdinand Roybet, a French academic artist known for his historical and mythological paintings. This preparatory sketch for a larger work depicts the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan, where Zeus, disguised as a swan, seduces the Spartan queen Leda. Roybet's drawing captures Leda in a moment of contemplation, her hand resting on her chin, her body delicately rendered with soft lines. The swan, partially visible, adds to the mythological narrative, suggesting the transformation and seduction at the heart of the story. The drawing exemplifies the artist's interest in the human figure and his mastery of academic drawing techniques.