“The Rape of Ganymede,” created by Michelangelo in 1533 in Rome, Italy, is a chalk drawing on paper with dimensions of 19 x 33 cm. This artwork, which belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement, is a mythological depiction and resides in the Fogg Museum (Harvard Art Museums) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
The artwork illustrates the mythological episode of Ganymede being abducted by Zeus in the form of an eagle. The scene is rendered with an exquisite use of chalk, capturing the dynamic movement and tension as the eagle grasps the young Ganymede. The figures are depicted with elongated proportions and complex poses, characteristic of the Mannerist style, emphasizing elegance and expressive forms. The composition conveys a sense of ascension and drama, encapsulating the myth’s blend of divine power and human vulnerability. The use of light and shadow showcases Michelangelo’s masterful technique, drawing attention to the physical interaction between the figures and the dramatic nature of the mythological tale.
