Cupid Complaining to Venus

c. 1540–1546
(German, 1485–1546)
Overall: 6.8 x 9.2 cm (2 11/16 x 3 5/8 in.)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Download, Print and Share

Description

This plaquette interprets an ancient Greek poem by Theocritus. Having been stung by a swarm of bees after attempting to steal their honey, Cupid sought refuge in the arms of his mother Venus, the goddess of love. Surprised that such small creatures could cause such great pain, Venus reminded Cupid, that like the sting of a bee, love’s arrow could be dangerous.
Cupid Complaining to Venus

Cupid Complaining to Venus

c. 1540–1546

Peter Flötner

(German, 1485–1546)
Germany, Nuremberg, 16th century

Videos

Plaquettes

Cupid and the Bees

Metal Casting

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.