Cupid and Psyche
1789
Francesco Bartolozzi was the absolute rockstar of 18th-century London engraving, and this print shows off his signature 'stipple' technique perfectly. Instead of harsh lines, he used thousands of tiny dots to create a soft, dreamy texture that makes the cloud look fluffy and the cherubs' skin look smooth. While the title says 'Cupid and Psyche,' these two winged toddlers look like they're huddled together on a cloud, perhaps plotting which mortal to hit with their arrows next. This kind of delicate, oval-framed print was incredibly fashionable in the Neoclassical era, basically the Instagram filters of the 1780s.
- Technique
- stipple engraving
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