Wuivend engeltje van achteren 1630 - 1652

"Wuivend engeltje van achteren" (Waving Angel from Behind) is an etching by Pieter van Avont, created between 1630 and 1652. The artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a winged cherub with a youthful, fleshy form, viewed from behind as it reaches upwards with its left arm. The detailed hatching and cross-hatching techniques employed by van Avont create a sense of volume and depth, adding realism to the cherub's form and the textured cloud on which it sits. This small etching, measuring only 103 mm by 67 mm, showcases van Avont's mastery of the etching technique, highlighting the beauty and innocence of an angelic subject.