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A Blessed Spirit

Cherubino Alberti

1591

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance

Dominant colour

A Blessed Spirit is a 1591 ink by Cherubino Alberti, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Cherubino Alberti
When & what style?: 1591 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows a black-and-white etching of a muscular, winged figure floating in a cloud. Above him, two cherubs hold a banner with Latin text. The frame is ornate, with swirls, leaves, and tiny putti peeking from the corners. The figure’s arms stretch out, and his legs dangle as if mid-air. The Latin on the banner reads "Petit Aether" and names someone called "Alexandro Medices." The bottom text says "Mang. B. Pinx" and "In Vaticano," hinting at a Vatican connection. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.