Poor Cupid

Media - 1984.156 - SAAM-1984.156_1 - 62036
Copied Edmonia Lewis, Poor Cupid, modeled ca. 1872, carved 1876, marble, 27 x 13 3⁄4 x 12 1⁄4 in. (68.6 x 34.9 x 31.1 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Alfred T. Morris, Sr., 1984.156
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Poor Cupid
Artist
Date
modeled ca. 1872, carved 1876
Location
Dimensions
27 x 13 3⁄4 x 12 1⁄4 in. (68.6 x 34.9 x 31.1 cm.)
Markings
back of circular base engraved: EDMONIA LEWIS ROMA 1876. front of circular base engraved: POOR CUPID bundle of arrows in pencil: A. (illegible)
Credit Line
Gift of Alfred T. Morris, Sr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Keywords
  • Mythology — classical — Cupid
  • Figure
  • Allegory — passion — love
  • Object — weapon — bow and arrow
Object Number
1984.156
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.156

Artwork Description

Edmonia Lewis occasionally carved sculptures of mythical scenes, which were very popular with American tourists visiting Rome. Poor Cupid, or Love Ensnared, depicts the cherub with his hand caught in a trap as he reaches down for a rose. Frivolous sculptures like this appealed to the Victorian sentimentality of affluent Americans traveling around Europe.

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