Seven putti carrying the cross 1646

This etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, created in 1646, depicts seven cherubs carrying a cross. This artwork is a testament to Hollar's mastery of detail and his ability to capture the innocence and fragility of angelic figures. The etching is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is a popular example of Hollar's skill as an etcher and draftsman. The cherubs are rendered with great anatomical accuracy and evoke a sense of both divine power and ethereal beauty. This work exemplifies the artistic trends of the Baroque period, with its dramatic use of light and shadow.