Poor Cupid

Edmonia Lewis, Poor Cupid, modeled ca. 1872, carved 1876, marble, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Alfred T. Morris, Sr., 1984.156
Copied Edmonia Lewis, Poor Cupid, modeled ca. 1872, carved 1876, marble, 2713 3412 14 in. (68.634.931.1 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Alfred T. Morris, Sr., 1984.156
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Artwork Details

Title
Poor Cupid
Date
modeled ca. 1872, carved 1876
Dimensions
2713 3412 14 in. (68.634.931.1 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Alfred T. Morris, Sr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Keywords
  • Mythology — classical — Cupid
  • Allegory — passion — love
  • Object — weapon — bow and arrow
Object Number
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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