Artwork
Three Cherubs and Two Boys on Clouds
Three Cherubs and Two Boys on Clouds is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
If you like Hollar’s lines, try his other works at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
This etching shows five chubby cherubs and two boys floating on soft, fluffy clouds. One cherub aims a bow and arrow at the boys below. The boys look calm, not scared.
Wenceslaus Hollar made this in 1646. He used a needle to scratch lines into a metal plate, then filled it with ink. This technique, called etching, lets artists draw with fine details.
If you like Hollar’s lines, try his other works at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Overview
Three Cherubs and Two Boys on Clouds is an etching on laid paper created by Wenceslaus Hollar in 1646. The print depicts five figures floating on clouds.
Subject & Meaning
The etching shows three cherubs and two boys on clouds, with one cherub aiming a bow and arrow at the boys, who appear calm. The scene is rendered in a detailed and precise style, characteristic of Hollar's work.
Technique & Style
Hollar used the etching technique, scratching lines into a metal plate with a needle and filling it with ink, allowing for fine details in the print. The resulting work is typical of his precise and detailed style.
History & Provenance
Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech-born engraver and etcher, created this work in 1646, during his time in England, where he spent much of his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
