Andromeda Chained to the Rock by the Nereids

Théodore Chassériau executed this mythological scene in 1840 at age 21, showing Andromeda being chained to a rock by sea nymphs. The Ethiopian princess was sacrificed to appease a sea monster devastating her father's kingdom; Perseus would later rescue her. Chassériau captures the moment before rescue, with Andromeda's terrified face contrasting with the Nereids' haste to secure her.

Chassériau studied under Ingres but was increasingly drawn to Delacroix's Romantic approach. This painting shows both influences: the careful drawing of Ingres combined with dramatic emotion and rich color. The female nude demonstrates Chassériau's very personal ideal of depicting women.

The oil on canvas measures 92 by 74 centimeters and hangs at the Louvre in Paris, where a room is dedicated to Chassériau. He died at 37 but influenced Puvis de Chavannes and Gustave Moreau, through whom his impact reached Gauguin and Matisse.