Sleeping Cupid
1640
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1640
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a naked child curled up asleep on a bed of branches. The figure’s head rests on one arm, and the other arm dangles off the edge. The background is just a few quick lines—like a sketchy landscape or maybe just a suggestion of sky. The artist used sharp, dark lines to show the soft folds of skin and the rough bark of the branches. The whole thing looks like it was drawn fast, with a lot of energy. If you like this style, check out the technique: etching.