Acis and Galatea 1708

William Kent's "Acis and Galatea" (1708) is a red chalk drawing depicting the mythological tale of Acis and Galatea. The drawing is a study for a fresco that Kent created for the ceiling of the "Carlo Maratti Room" at Houghton Hall. In the scene, Galatea, a sea nymph, is shown with the shepherd Acis, who is being threatened by the cyclops Polyphemus. This drawing showcases Kent's masterful ability to translate Classical themes into a decorative style popular in the early 18th century. The drawing is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, providing art enthusiasts with a glimpse into the creative process behind Kent's fresco masterpiece.