The Blindfolding of Cupid

About this work

This sketch shows a group of people in a loose, hurried scene. A woman in a long dress stands holding a child, while another woman bends down to help a small boy. A dog sits nearby, and in the background, more figures huddle together, some carrying bundles. The lines are quick and sketchy, with no color—just shades of brown ink. The title says this is about Cupid, the god of love, being blindfolded, but here it’s shown as a quiet moment, not dramatic. The artist used a lot of shading to show folds in the clothes and the way light falls. Next, check out Romney, George to see how he turned sketches like this into finished paintings.