The image shows a full-body etching of a young male figure standing on a circular platform. The boy is depicted nude, with his hands raised to his neck, holding a curved staff. His head is slightly tilted to the side, eyes closed in a serene expression, and his hair is short and curly. Flowing ribbons or draperies surround him, adding to the dynamic quality of the composition. In the background, there are star-like shapes, adding a mystical element to the piece. The setting is largely abstract, with the ribbons and staff providing the main physical context in an otherwise neutral backdrop.
Read the visual description

The image shows a full-body etching of a young male figure standing on a circular platform. The boy is depicted nude, with his hands raised to his neck, holding a curved staff. His head is slightly tilted to the side, eyes closed in a serene expression, and his hair is short and curly. Flowing ribbons or draperies surround him, adding to the dynamic quality of the composition. In the background, there are star-like shapes, adding a mystical element to the piece. The setting is largely abstract, with the ribbons and staff providing the main physical context in an otherwise neutral backdrop.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Arcturus

Julian Alden Weir

Date
1893
Medium
engraving
Classification
Print
Accession number
1964.4.15
Credit line
Gift of John W. Beatty, Jr.
Time span
1876 to 1900
Department
CG-W

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • Stars
  • Male nude

NGA object ID 47198. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.