Cupid on a lion 1652

Wenceslaus Hollar etched this image of Cupid on a lion, capturing a whimsical dance between love and power. Cupid, the god of desire, sits astride a lion, a symbol of strength and courage. This unlikely pairing speaks volumes. The motif of Cupid appears throughout art history, often depicted with his bow and arrow, representing the irresistible force of love. In contrast, the lion embodies primal instincts. We see echoes of this juxtaposition in ancient mythologies. The lion may also symbolize the triumph of love over brute force, illustrating the human capacity to tame even the wildest passions. Think of how these symbols echo through time, appearing in Renaissance paintings or Baroque sculptures, constantly shifting and evolving. This image resonates deeply because it taps into our collective memory, reminding us of love's complex relationship with power.