Cupid at the grindstone 1755 - 1765

This is a Chelsea Porcelain figurine, made in the mid-18th century, depicting Cupid at a grindstone. Here, we see Cupid, often associated with love and desire, engaged in a rather unusual activity: sharpening his arrows. The act of grinding implies refinement, but it also suggests a certain aggression. The arrows, symbols of love, are being honed to a sharper point. Consider the symbolism of Cupid throughout history, from the innocent cherub to the more mischievous figure capable of inflicting the pain of love as well as its pleasure. We see this duality echoed in the Renaissance, with the revival of classical themes intertwined with Christian morality, where Cupid’s arrows could represent both divine love and earthly passion. This Cupid at the grindstone resonates with a deeper, perhaps subconscious, understanding of love’s complex nature. It is a symbol that echoes through time, reminding us that love is not merely a gentle emotion, but a force that can wound as deeply as it elevates.