Phryne Before the Areopagus 1740 - 1765

"Phryne Before the Areopagus" is a drawing by Jean-Baptiste Deshays, executed between 1740 and 1765. The drawing depicts a scene from Greek mythology, in which the courtesan Phryne, accused of impiety, is acquitted by the Areopagus (the Athenian Council) after exposing her breasts to the judges. The artist uses brown chalk and wash to render the dramatic composition, emphasizing the figures and their gestures. The drawing is a striking example of the Rococo style, characterized by its graceful lines, elegance, and emphasis on emotion. The artwork is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.