The Tragic Muse 1784

"The Tragic Muse" (1784) is a stipple engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi (1728-1815) and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This artwork is a classic example of stipple engraving, a technique that uses tiny dots to create tonal values and textures. Bartolozzi was a master of this style, and his intricate work creates a delicate and expressive portrait of the muse. The engraving's subject, a tragic muse holding a dagger, likely reflects the dramatic themes often explored in tragedy. The artwork's use of light and shadow contributes to its expressive nature, enhancing the dramatic impact of the piece.