Three Cupids and a Bear

Heinrich Aldegrever

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing depicting three cherubs holding ornate staffs that support a circular platform, on which a bear is resting. The cherubs have wings and one of them is looking upwards. The bear is reclined with its head on its paws. Intricate foliage and decorative details surround the scene. Below the bear, there is a plaque inscribed with the date "1529." The drawing features detailed line work and fine hatching typical of the early 16th century.