Cupids and Cupid c. 1869 - 1870

Editor: This is "Cupids and Cupid" by Hans Makart, dating from around 1869-1870, created with pencil. The ethereal quality of the drawing really stands out. What are your initial impressions? Curator: It's fascinating how Makart uses Cupid here. It is never just a symbol of simple affection. The repetition – cupids and Cupid - points to love not as a singular emotion, but as a continuous force, influencing everything from innocence to sensuality. This symbol speaks to us still, even as ideals around romance continue to evolve. Editor: So, it’s about more than just romantic love then? Curator: Precisely. Look at how he juxtaposes the figures: The women seem to be whispering secrets or sharing affections, while the cupids themselves appear mischievous, perhaps even challenging us. Doesn’t that contrast evoke the multifaceted nature of love itself, both the idyllic and the more chaotic? Editor: It does! I see it now. It’s less sentimental and more about the complexity of human connections. It also makes me think about desire as a primal force. Curator: Yes, Makart lived in an era grappling with rapid social change and the reevaluation of moral values. Does the imagery perhaps reflect this? What’s suggested, rather than plainly stated, is where the meaning truly lies. Editor: Definitely something to consider. It really brings out the underlying themes of the work, beyond just its aesthetic appeal. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, this work isn't just a pretty drawing; it is a lens through which to examine our own feelings toward connection and love, timeless yet ever-evolving.