Germany, Nuremberg / c. 1540–46
Cupid Complaining to Venus
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Cupid Complaining to Venus as sculpture (Germany, Nuremberg · c. 1540–46).
This plaquette interprets an ancient Greek poem by Theocritus. Having been stung by a swarm of bees after attempting to steal their honey, Cupid sought refuge in the arms of his mother Venus, the goddess of love.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as lead and credits Peter Flötner (German, 1485–1546).
The museum's collection notes: This plaquette interprets an ancient Greek poem by Theocritus. Having been stung by a swarm of bees after attempting to steal their honey, Cupid sought refuge in the arms of his mother Venus, the goddess of love. Surprised that such small creatures could cause such great pain, Venus reminded Cupid, that like the sting of a bee, love’s arrow could be dangerous.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtCupid Complaining to VenusOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.