Cupid Resting

Cupid Resting is a masterful print created by Rembrandt van Rijn during the 17th century, a period often recognized as the Dutch Golden Age in the Netherlands. This intimate work is executed in the highly sophisticated technique of etching and drypoint. The combination allowed Rijn to achieve a unique textural depth and velvety richness in his shadows, distinguishing his approach from contemporary printmakers.

The piece exemplifies Rijn's genius for depicting figures with psychological weight and informality, even when addressing classical themes. In this rendering of the Roman god of desire, Cupid is shown in repose, perhaps signaling a momentary pause in his mischievous activities. The artist skillfully utilized the drypoint needle to create deep burrs that hold extra ink, lending both immediacy and dramatic depth to the fine line work. This technique creates a striking contrast between the figure and the surrounding darkness, typical of Rijn’s dramatic use of light and shadow.

The Netherlands of the 1600s saw a burgeoning market for prints, making works like this accessible to a broader audience than traditional paintings. As a print, the work exists in multiple impressions globally, but this particular impression is housed in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of its age and profound cultural significance, high-quality images of this particular masterwork by Rijn are often available as public domain resources, ensuring continued study of the artist’s innovative techniques in the art of the print.