Cupid Stung by a Bee, after Thorwaldsen c. 19th century

Editor: This is Settari's "Cupid Stung by a Bee, after Thorwaldsen," a tiny medallion at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels so delicate and classic. What symbolic weight does this scene carry? Curator: The bee sting, a small event, becomes a symbol of life's unexpected pains. Notice how Cupid seeks comfort from Venus. It's a universal image of vulnerability and the need for maternal solace, reflecting archetypal bonds. Doesn’t the intimate scale intensify this emotional impact, drawing us into a private moment of shared pain? Editor: I see it now – a miniature drama about big feelings. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: And I see it with new eyes as well, by sharing thoughts together.