Four Putti representing the Four Elements 1605 - 1638

"Four Putti representing the Four Elements" is an etching by Rudolf Meyer, created between 1605 and 1638. The artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, depicts four cherubic figures, each representing one of the classical elements - earth, air, fire, and water. The cherubs are depicted in a dynamic composition, their bodies rendered with meticulous detail. Meyer’s work is a prime example of the Renaissance fascination with classical mythology and the beauty of the human form, reflecting a desire to capture both the physical and symbolic aspects of these elemental concepts. The print's small size and delicate lines add to its charm and make it a testament to the artist's skill in capturing complex imagery within a limited space.