Venus with the Graces and Putti
1624
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1624
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a busy scene with three women and a few small winged babies. The women are tangled in swirling fabric, sitting and standing in a forest of vines and leaves. One woman holds a basket of fruit, another leans on a tree branch, and the third looks down with a calm face. The whole scene is drawn with sharp lines and dark shading, giving it a textured, almost three-dimensional look. The tiny winged babies, called putti, add a playful touch to the mix. The artist used a technique that lets the lines feel both delicate and strong at the same time. If you like this style, check out more about etching.