Two scenes; a reclining warrior above, sleeping cupid below (recto); grotesque niche with standing warrior (verso) 16th century

This pen and brown ink drawing features two scenes, with a reclining warrior above and sleeping cupid below. We immediately notice Cupid, the god of love, not as a triumphant figure but asleep, disarmed. Consider how the image of Cupid has traveled through time. In classical antiquity, he was a symbol of irresistible passion, but here, he is vulnerable. An armed figure approaches, perhaps to steal his bow. The warrior above, surrounded by symbols of war – his helmet, shield, and sword – reclines wearily. The juxtaposition suggests a cyclical interplay between love and war, a dance as old as civilization itself. This symbol of Cupid's vulnerability engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, stirring primal feelings related to love, loss, and the passage of time. The motif of a sleeping god transcends cultures, echoing in dreams, myths, and anxieties across centuries. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, a testament to the enduring power of cultural memory.