Aurora abducting Cephalus
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Date: about 1636-7
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the Aurora abducting Cephalus by Peter Paul Rubens. Painted in the early 17th century, it's a beautiful example of Rubens' work and his ability to experiment with composition. As part of a series of paintings commissioned by Philip IV of Spain for his hunting lodge near Madrid, this piece showcases Rubens' creative process.
In the painting, we see Cephalus, a young huntsman, reclining under a tree, surrounded by his magic dog and spear. But what really catches the eye is Aurora, the goddess of the dawn, as she steps out of her golden chariot and runs towards him with an unmistakable sense of urgency.
Rubens has captured this moment so vividly - Aurora's white horses are rearing up in the background, and her golden robes are flowing behind her. Cephalus, too, is depicted as eager to follow her, his arms outstretched in a gesture that contrasts with the story's more faithful ending.
The brushwork and use of light in this painting are truly remarkable, and give us an insight into Rubens' skill and vision.
See it in person
Aurora abducting Cephalus hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
