Basepaint

"The Abduction of Ganymede," painted by Rembrandt in 1635, is a captivating oil on panel that interprets the classical myth of Ganymede's abduction by Zeus, who is disguised as an eagle. This work is housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden¹.

Rembrandt's portrayal diverges from the traditional depictions of the myth. Instead of illustrating Ganymede as a handsome youth, he presents him as a frightened child, whose expression of terror and attempt to repulse the eagle adds a dramatic, almost burlesque quality to the scene. The painting is noted for its use of chiaroscuro, a technique influenced by Caravaggio, which Rembrandt employs to drench Ganymede in light, emphasizing his significance in the narrative².