Slapende Amor 1660 - 1800

This small, anonymous print depicts a sleeping Cupid, rendered in a soft, delicate style. The image speaks to the broader cultural fascination with classical mythology, which experienced a resurgence during the Renaissance and continued to influence European art for centuries. Made sometime in the 17th or 18th century in the Netherlands, this work reflects the Dutch Republic's thriving printmaking industry, driven by a growing middle class with an appetite for art. The image of Cupid, the god of love, taps into themes of innocence, vulnerability, and the power of affection. The sleeping figure offers a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the bustling social life of the Dutch Golden Age. As art historians, we examine such images alongside other visual and textual sources from the period to fully understand their meaning and significance. By exploring the social and institutional contexts in which art is made, we can better appreciate its role in shaping cultural values and beliefs.