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Notes
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At the request of his mother Cupid is preparing to strike Pluto, who is travelling around Sicily. The result of Cupid's dart is the rape of Proserpine, who Pluto spots picking flowers in a field and then takes off to the underworld.
Ralph Bankes (1631?–1677) recorded in 1659 that he bought 'A Cupid of Huysmans' from a Mr Mathewes for £5.
Title
Cupid Preparing His Bow
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 132 x W 101.5 cm
Accession number
1257118
Acquisition method
bequeathed by Ralph Bankes, 1981
Work type
Painting