Renaissance · Cleveland Museum of Art · 1984.15
Cupid Complaining to Venus
Peter Flötner, c. 1540–46
Cleveland Museum of Art · Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund · Public domain
- Artist
- Peter Flötner
- Date
- c. 1540–46
- Medium
- lead
- Dimensions
- Overall: 6.8 x 9.2 cm (2 11/16 x 3 5/8 in.)
- Era
- Renaissance
Why it matters
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.