Neptune and Amphitrite 1644

Editor: This is Michel Dorigny’s "Neptune and Amphitrite", an engraving. The composition feels very dynamic, with Neptune’s strong diagonal leading the eye. What is your interpretation of the formal elements at play here? Curator: The success of this work hinges on its masterful use of line and chiaroscuro. Dorigny evokes volume through dense, parallel hatching. The interplay of light and shadow sculpts the figures, creating a dramatic tension and highlighting the robust forms. Notice how the linear perspective emphasizes the dynamic action. Editor: That’s a great point. The line work really does bring a lot of energy to the print. I learned so much about the use of line here! Curator: Indeed, the artist's handling of line and shadow is crucial to understanding the artwork's structure.