Two Cupids in Two Circles
1517
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1517
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Two naked cherubs float in separate rings. One holds a bow and arrow. The other balances a burning torch. They’re carved into metal with tiny lines. This print shows Lucas van Leyden’s skill. He used engraving, scratching lines into a metal plate. Then ink stuck where he cut. The circles frame each Cupid like a window. They look playful, almost weightless. Try looking at the tiny marks that make the shadows. See how the lines catch the light. Look up Lucas van Leyden.
