Venus and Cupid
1566
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1566
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This woodcut shows a naked woman standing under a tree, holding a baby. The woman’s pose is calm, with one arm resting on her hip. The tree’s branches twist around her, and small cherubs peek from the leaves. The ground has wavy lines, like water or grass. The artist used sharp lines to create depth, with the woman’s body blending into the tree’s shadows. The scene looks peaceful but also a little mysterious. If you like this style, look up woodcut next.