Cupid Resting (copy)

Cupid Resting (copy) by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) is a delicate and masterful print executed in the combined techniques of etching and drypoint, placing its creation sometime between 1620 and 1669. The deliberate choice of medium highlights the artist’s exceptional skill in utilizing linear techniques to create subtle tonality and form. Etching allows for intricate, flowing detail, while the supplementary use of drypoint, where the artist scratches directly into the plate, generates a soft, velvety burr around the lines, emphasizing areas of shadow and depth. Although cataloged as a copy, this print demonstrates a profound connection to the allegorical and mythological subjects favored by the Dutch Golden Age master.

The work centers entirely on the classical figure of Cupid, the mythological representation of desire. Unlike active, mischievous depictions of the young god often seen in contemporary painting, this interpretation shows him in a state of profound repose, emphasizing vulnerability rather than power. The figure, small and self-contained, is positioned in an ambiguous space, relying solely on the interplay of line and shadow to define its contours. Rembrandt’s characteristic handling of light, even when translated into the monochrome medium of prints, gives the figure subtle dimensionality and emotional gravity.

This intimate study of mythology is part of the extensive collection of prints housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflecting the critical importance of graphic arts during the 17th century. The piece serves as a vital example of the period's interest in classical poesie and allegorical figures. The enduring significance of this artist’s vast oeuvre ensures that high-quality images of this remarkable piece are often made available for educational study through public domain resources.