Cupid c. 1615

Giulio Cesare Procaccini created this 'Cupid' drawing with pen and brown ink, and brown wash on laid paper. The composition bursts with dynamic energy, capturing Cupid in mid-motion, bow drawn, ready to strike. Procaccini uses line and wash to give depth and volume to his figures. We can see the build-up of layered strokes which help to define the musculature of Cupid. The use of brown ink creates a warm tonality that enhances the soft contours and delicate features of the figures. There's a tension between the detailed rendering of the main figure and the sketchier treatment of the second Cupid below, generating a sense of movement and instability. This artwork also embodies the Baroque period's interest in drama and dynamism. The diagonal lines of the bow and arrow create a sense of urgency, while the cherubic figures embody an idealised form that evokes an emotional response. This approach aligns with the Baroque aesthetic that sought to engage viewers through heightened expressiveness. The drawing invites us to explore themes of love and desire, capturing their fleeting and often unpredictable nature.