Sleeping Venus and Cupid 

Adam Elsheimer painted 'Sleeping Venus and Cupid' in the early 17th century, using oil on copper. Oil paint was by this time a relatively well-established medium. The appeal of painting on copper was its smooth, non-porous surface, allowing for exceptional detail. It was also a means of creating a durable, precious object, burnished to a warm glow. Elsheimer worked with meticulous precision. Look closely, and you’ll see an incredible amount of detail, from the folds in Venus’s drapery, to the feathery leaves in the background. The use of oil paint in the 17th century reflects a shift towards a slower, more deliberate process, where artists could build up layers of color and texture over time. This contrasts with earlier, faster methods like fresco or tempera. Although seemingly traditional, Elsheimer’s choice of materials and his patient technique speak to a changing attitude towards artistic production, one that valued refinement and permanence. It's a world away from the mass-produced art we see today. This small painting represents a significant investment of time and skill, making it a precious commodity, and an object of lasting value.