How you can use this image
This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).
Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.
The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.
Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.
Buy a print or image licence
You can purchase this reproduction
If you have any products in your basket we recommend that you complete your purchase from Art UK before you leave our site to avoid losing your purchases.
Notes
Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.
Cupid (the god of love) is shown as an adolescent. He is seen from behind, naked and winged, looking seductively over his shoulder. His foot is resting on two books, suggesting his supremecy over learning and human knowledge. He is running a knife over an unstrung bow which, according to legend, was carved from the club of Hercules. This bow symbolised that divine love can overcome physical strength. Below, a male amorino is enticing a grimacing girl to look up at Cupid. The subject could refer to all the Erotes (Greek gods of love) and therefore the three aspects of love: Eros (love), Himeros (desire) and Pothos (longing). Also, Eros is no longer a child but has grown with the help of his twin brother Anteros (requited love). This is a copy after the original painting by the Mannerist Parmigianino, painted in around 1533/1534.
Title
Cupid Carving His Bow
Date
17th C
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 134.5 x W 72.5 cm
Accession number
872074
Acquisition method
gift, as part of the endowment, from the 6th Earl of Morley, 1957
Work type
Painting
