Cupid (Amor)c. 1630 · Study 1971.100

Context from the museum

Johann Liss studied in Holland and Antwerp, and later (about 1620) traveled to Rome and Venice. His painting of Cupid—also known as Amor, the god of love—displays rich colors and fluid brushwork that were influenced by past Venetian masters (Titian, Tintoretto, or Veronese), while the deep contrasts of light and shadow reveal a stylistic debt to Caravaggio. The directness of Cupid’s gaze and the concentrated energy of his pose create a strong connection with the viewer.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

Liss skillfully combined Dutch, Flemish, and Italian styles to create his own distinct manner.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Cupid (Amor) is 65.7 cm wide and 87.7 cm high, equivalent to approximately 25.9 × 34.5 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.75:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.58 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 21.9% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 117.2 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Cupid (Amor) in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 65.7 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?