Theseus laat Ariadne treurend achter op Naxos 1794

This etching, created by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki in 1794, depicts the Greek mythological scene of Theseus abandoning Ariadne on the island of Naxos. The composition shows Ariadne kneeling on the shore, reaching out to the departing ship of Theseus, while a rocky cliff looms in the background. This poignant image, housed at the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Chodowiecki's mastery of storytelling through detailed engravings. The artwork captures the sorrow and despair of Ariadne, while simultaneously showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to detail in the rendering of the figures and the landscape.