Cupid 1744

Curator: Edme Bouchardon’s "Cupid," a marble sculpture dating from 1744. Quite a stunner, isn't it? Editor: Stunner is right. A rather imposing figure, almost defiant in its poised tension. I am struck by its slightly exaggerated, muscular curves. It's very dynamic for marble. Curator: Ah, that's the Rococo style for you – it favored elegance, ornamentation and playful themes like love and mythology. And muscular, yes. Almost daring you to laugh, while still maintaining a sense of gravity. I am always drawn to Cupid's focus and serious demeanor as he takes aim with his bow. It gives me pause considering his history of shooting off arrows all willy-nilly, haha! Editor: Indeed. Let's consider that lion skin at Cupid's feet – the symbolic representation of the triumph of love over strength or wildness, a visual declaration typical for its era. The meticulous rendering of texture and surface across Cupid's youthful skin and the wildness of the lion's mane creates a compelling contrast in values and details. Note also the strategic pose – its elegance and the serpentine line guiding the viewer’s eye. It all contributes to an undeniable feeling of refined artistry. Curator: Definitely refined, but it always felt quite heartfelt, not just artful! I think about Bouchardon pouring himself into every angle, really considering Cupid's youthful innocence with some underlying ferocity. The slight upward glance hints at mischief, like love’s delightful complications. It’s quite a reminder that passion can make a lion a teddy bear. Or vice versa. Editor: I’m inclined to agree. This "Cupid" truly transcends conventional aesthetic interpretations by encouraging observers to confront, viscerally and aesthetically, our assumptions about art and desire. Curator: Ultimately, for me it embodies passion but more gently and more nuanced. Thank you for joining me.