Leda and the Swan 1963

Cy Twombly's "Leda and the Swan" (1963) is a powerful example of Abstract Expressionism, characterized by its gestural brushstrokes and use of color. The painting depicts the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan, the iconic scene of the god Zeus in the form of a swan seducing Leda, but not in a clear or figurative way. The image is a whirlwind of swirling lines, splashes of red, and delicate traces of grey, leaving the viewer to interpret the scene through a lens of implied movement and emotion. This piece showcases Twombly's signature style of utilizing scribbled lines and blots of color, allowing the viewer to envision the drama of the myth.