Artwork Page for Cupid Complaining to Venus

Details / Information for Cupid Complaining to Venus

Cupid Complaining to Venus

c. 1540–46

Peter Flötner

(German, 1485–1546)
Culture
Germany, Nuremberg
Medium
lead
Measurements
Overall: 6.8 x 9.2 cm (2 11/16 x 3 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1984.15
Public Domain
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Location
114 Late Northern Renaissance
Print

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.
A gray lead relief sculpture depicts a landscape with two figures. On our left, a woman leans forward, her right arm extended and her torso partially draped in fabric. To our right, a nude child runs away while looking back, balancing a tiered object on his head. A bow lies on the ground between them. In the background, trees and a walled city with a dome and tower rise behind the figures.

Cupid Complaining to Venus

c. 1540–46

Peter Flötner

(German, 1485–1546)
Germany, Nuremberg

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