Genii with Altdorfer's Schram

"Genii with Altdorfer's Schram," a 1520 print by Albrecht Altdorfer, invites us to consider a captivating scene. This small but powerful work, housed right here in the National Gallery of Art, measures a mere 9.5 centimeters high and 8.9 centimeters wide. Don't let its size fool you, though! The image draws our attention to a winged cherub, rendered in stark black and white. This cherub, a symbol of divine presence, holds a shield proudly bearing the image of a harp. Notice how the cherub's wings spread gracefully, and its body twists slightly, as if caught in mid-flight. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and movement, while the dark, textured background adds an air of mystery. What do you think the cherub's expression might convey?