Slapende cupido 1513 - 1540

Parmigianino crafted this print, "Slapende Cupido," capturing Cupid, the god of love, in a rare moment of slumber. The vulnerability of Cupid, his bow and arrows cast aside, invites reflection on the volatile nature of love itself. The image of a sleeping Cupid has roots stretching back to classical antiquity, recurring in various forms throughout history. Consider, for example, the Hellenistic sculptures depicting Eros in a similar state of repose. This iconography speaks to a deeper psychological theme: the duality of love as both a source of joy and a potential harbinger of sorrow. Here, Parmigianino taps into a collective memory, reminding us that even the most powerful forces can be subdued by rest, reflecting a broader human experience of vulnerability. This emblem of love, stripped of his agency, engages us on a subconscious level, evoking empathy and perhaps a hint of melancholy. The symbol resurfaces, always evolving, a testament to its enduring power.