Cupid on a lion 1760 - 1770

"Cupid on a Lion" was crafted from porcelain at the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory in the mid-18th century. This delicate piece, only about 3 1/2 inches tall, encapsulates the rococo era's fascination with love and exoticism. Consider how the figure of Cupid, often depicted as a mischievous child, is here given dominion over the powerful lion, a symbol of strength and the exotic other. The juxtaposition speaks to the complex dynamics of desire and control, especially resonant in an age of colonial expansion where power was asserted over distant lands and people. The porcelain itself, a highly coveted material, reflects the class and privilege of its intended audience. The vibrant flowers adorning the lion add an additional layer, softening the lion's ferocity, transforming it into an almost decorative object. It reminds us that beauty and power are often intertwined, obscuring the inherent tensions and inequalities. This interplay between vulnerability and dominance evokes a unique emotional tension, inviting viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of love and power.