Jupiter and Ganymede 1645 - 1698

Johan Carl Loth's "Jupiter and Ganymede" is a black chalk and wash drawing on blue paper depicting the mythological scene of Jupiter, the King of the Gods, abducting the Trojan prince Ganymede. The drawing shows Jupiter, in a seated pose, reaching out to Ganymede who is pouring water from a pitcher. The scene is framed by a landscape with a rocky outcropping and cloudy skies. This drawing, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Loth's mastery of line and the expressive use of wash. It is a study for a larger composition, demonstrating the artist's preparatory process. This work reflects the artistic trends of the Baroque period, which emphasized emotionality and drama.