This erotic black-and-white photograph by Ralph Gibson references the Greek myth of Leda and the swan, in which Zeus, in the form of a swan, seduces the young Leda. Gibson's take on the tale is modern and minimal.

Ralph Gibson (American, b.1939) is a respected photographer known for his contrasting imagery and erotic subject matter. Gibson was born in Los Angeles, CA, and studied photography while in the United States Navy. He later attended the San Francisco Art Institute and worked as an assistant to Robert Frank (Swiss, b.1924) and Dorothea Lange (American, 1895–1965). Gibson has worked primarily with a Leica camera since the beginning of his career. His photographs often feature nude models in surreal poses.

Gibson is a highly acclaimed artist who has won many awards. He received three fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1973, 1975, and 1986. In addition, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1985. The photographer also received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Leica Medal of Excellence, and the Silver Plumb Award. He is a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France, which is an honor only bestowed on those who have made significant contributions to the arts. Gibson holds honorary doctorates from the University of Maryland and Ohio Wesleyan University, and, in 2007, he earned The Lucie Award for Fine Art Photography. His work has been displayed by more than 150 venues around the world. Gibson continues to live and work in New York.