Cupids and Boy Playing c. 16th century

Curator: This engraving from the Harvard Art Museums is called "Cupids and Boy Playing," and its creator remains anonymous. Immediately, I’m struck by the energy of the scene, it seems so chaotic yet playful. Editor: Yes, the intertwined bodies and swirling garlands lend it a frenetic Baroque sensibility. I wonder about the power dynamics at play, with the cupids seemingly orchestrating the interaction of the embraced figures. Curator: The cupids do seem rather menacing with their bows and arrows, don't they? But there is also a sense of abundance. Editor: Absolutely, the cornucopia of fruits and foliage speaks to themes of fertility and desire, perhaps reflecting anxieties around the control and manipulation of sexuality. Curator: I never considered this artwork in terms of anxiety, but I see your point. It is true that it is as menacing as it is joyful. Editor: These images are a reminder of the complex and often contradictory ways in which societies navigate love, power, and pleasure. Curator: A reminder that these subjects are, in fact, complex and contradictory.