Venus and Cupid in the clouds 1550 - 1599

This drawing of Venus and Cupid was made with pen and wash on paper, by an anonymous artist. The monochrome palette may imply that this is a study for a painting, perhaps even a print – a medium in which value is placed on the capacity for infinite reproduction, in contrast to the ‘aura’ of a unique work of art. Look closely and you’ll see how the artist used delicate lines to define the figures, while broad washes establish the form of the clouds, and the figures' shadows. The contrast between line and wash creates a sense of depth and volume, lending a certain weight to the scene of these idealized figures of love, and the texture of clouds. Drawings like this one were essential to the process of artmaking. The act of putting pen to paper allows for exploration and refinement of ideas, that could be translated to other media. By observing how this was made, we appreciate the labor, skill, and the crucial role of drawing in artistic creation.