Two cupids.

item details

NameTwo cupids.

ProductionLodewyk Deyster; artist; 1693; Flanders

Classificationprints, etchings, engravings, works on paper

Materialsink, paper

Materials Summaryetching and engraving

Techniquesetching, engraving

DimensionsPlate: 130mm (width), 173mm (height)

Registration Number1869-0001-105

Credit lineGift of Bishop Monrad, 1869

Overview

Lodewyk or Lodewijk, often Louis de Deyster, was a prominent late 17th/ early 18th century Flemish painter, often of flamboyant baroque religious themes that reflect his devout Catholicism. Born in Bruges, he was a pupil of Jan I Maes. Between 1682-1688 he travelled to Italy with Anthonie van den Eeckhout, before returning to Bruges and becoming Master in the Guild. In 1692 he married Dorothea van den Eeckhout; their daughter was the artist/ musical instrument maker Anna Louise de Deyster. Also a dealer in fabrics, he made musical instruments with Anna, dying in 1711 in his native Bruges. Unfortunately many of his paintings were subsequently lost. However, 16 etchings, often with Old Testament themes and one known mezzotint survive.

This delightful etching of two playful putti in an idyllic landscape evocative of antiquity is a far cry from Deyster's religious grandiosity. One holds a bow which looks newly-made, and the other holds an arrow. Who's going to fall in love?

See: British Museum, 'Lodewyk de Deyster (Biographical details)', https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/term_details.aspx?bioId=127085

Dr Mark Stocker Curator, Historical International Art March 2019