Guérin, Jean Urbain

The daughter of Zeus and Hera, Hebe is the goddess of youth in Greek mythology. She is the cupbearer of Mount Olympus, offering gods nectar and ambrosia. Because of her unique power, all gods revered her. Hebe was a popular subject in Neo-classical art. In this drawing, Guérin depicts her in a large, flowing robe suggesting her continuous movement as she pours ambrosia from a cup. Guérin aptly conveys the various folds of her garment, and highlights her youth through her pale, soft skin. The artist also calls attention to the figure’s thick, curly hair through visual tone. Hebe’s hair is her darkest physical attribute, and yet it still stands out against the dark grey/black background. The scale of this drawing is impressive and fitting for an immortal figure.