Cupid Dancing with Two Allegorical Women

Paulus Moreelse

1612

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory putti

About this work

This print shows a flying Cupid in the center, dancing with two women in long gowns. One holds a flower, the other a scroll. Soft light glows on their faces and fabric. It’s a woodcut made from two carved blocks. The artist printed them separately in black and gray ink. That gives the scene a gentle glow, like candlelight. Try printing your own—get a sheet of paper and a pencil. See how shadows move with pressure.