Twee cherubijnen naar een detail van Rafaëls 'Sixtijnse Madonna" 1823

This drawing of two cherubs after a detail of Raphael's Sistine Madonna, was made by Elisabeth Kemper. It is rendered in delicate strokes of watercolor on paper. The wispy clouds and cherubic forms are achieved through layered washes of pigment, allowing the white of the paper to show through. The artist uses hatching and stippling to create the illusion of depth and volume, imbuing the cherubs with a soft, ethereal quality. As a noblewoman, Kemper would have had the leisure time to pursue artistic endeavors. While the practice of copying famous works was common for artists refining their skills, in Kemper's case, it may also reflect the social expectation of women to engage in decorative and ornamental pursuits rather than more ambitious artistic projects. Recognizing the artistic skill involved and considering the social context in which it was produced allows us to appreciate the significance of this drawing, bridging the gap between fine art and craft.