A Sea Nymph and a Triton on a Dolphin

Art Historical Context

This delicate 18th-century drawing by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt captures a lively mythological scene of a sea nymph and a triton perched atop a dolphin. Created with pen and gray ink, red chalk, and layered red and gray washes, the work showcases the fluid lines and tonal subtlety typical of preparatory studies from the period. Measuring just 7½ by 10⅞ inches, the sheet’s intimate scale invites close viewing of the’s confident handling of movement and form. The subject draws on classical mythology, whereons and nymphs personify the sea’s vitality and grace. Such marine themes were popular in European decorative arts, often designed for fountains, sculptures, or ornamental prints. The inclusion of a framing line—possibly added by Verschaffelt himself—suggests the drawing may have been intended as a finished presentation piece or a model for further development. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Elisha Whittelsey Fund, this work highlights the museum’s rich holdings in 18th-century European drawings. It offers visitors a glimpse into the creative process behind larger sculptural or architectural projects inspired by ancient legends.