Boreas and Orytheia n.d.

This red chalk drawing, “Boreas and Orytheia,” depicts the mythological Greek god Boreas, god of the north wind, abducting the Athenian princess Orytheia. The dynamic, swirling composition captures the force of Boreas, while the delicate lines of Orytheia suggest her vulnerability. Surrounding the central figures are putti, further emphasizing the dramatic nature of the scene. This work by Jan Lauwryn Krafft is a fine example of 17th-century Baroque style, which characterized works by their dynamism and emphasis on movement. It is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.