Jupiter and Io

Description

Cupid's smiling nod to the viewer and his gesture toward Jupiter's amorous conquest of the mortal Io lend a note of humor to this passionate scene. The strong modeling of their heavy-set bodies gives them a ponderous presence. The technique of this drawing, with heavily applied wash, strong highlights, and pen-drawn hatching and cross-hatching, recalls the effect of a chiaroscuro woodcut, printed with multiple blocks and colors to give the effect of light and shade. Since Talpino himself does not seem to have made such prints, this drawing may copy one.