The world’s most famous statues of cupid
Here’s a Hong Kong florist guide to some of the most famous statues of Cupid and where to see them. Cupid, the Roman god of love, has been a popular subject in art and sculpture for centuries. These statues capture his playful and mischievous nature, often associated with romance and passion.
1. Cupid and Psyche by Antonio Canova
Location: The Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Overview: This neoclassical masterpiece by Antonio Canova is one of the most famous depictions of Cupid. It portrays the tender moment when Cupid awakens Psyche with a kiss, symbolizing the triumph of love and the soul. The sculpture is celebrated for its emotional intensity, intricate detail, and dynamic composition.
2. Amor Vincit Omnia by François Duquesnoy
Location: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Overview: Translating to "Love Conquers All," this baroque statue depicts a triumphant Cupid standing with a playful expression, holding a bow and arrow. Duquesnoy’s version emphasizes Cupid's innocence while showcasing detailed anatomical precision and grace.
3. Cupid (The Eros Bendato)
Location: Krakow, Poland
Overview: This modern, surreal interpretation of Cupid is a large head sculpture by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj. Located in Krakow’s Main Market Square, it’s a striking piece that reimagines Cupid in a fragmented, bandaged form, symbolizing the complex and sometimes painful nature of love.
4. Cupid on a Dolphin by Giambologna
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK
Overview: This elegant bronze sculpture by Giambologna shows a playful Cupid riding a dolphin. The dynamic composition captures movement and energy, symbolizing love’s swift and unpredictable nature.
5. Eros (Piccadilly Circus Statue)
Location: Piccadilly Circus, London, UK
Overview: Often referred to as Eros, this aluminum statue by Alfred Gilbert actually represents Anteros, the god of requited love. Nevertheless, it is popularly associated with Cupid and serves as an iconic landmark in London. The winged figure aiming a bow has become a symbol of romance and charity.
6. Cupid with a Bow by Michelangelo
Location: Fragment found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Overview: While the original is lost, a fragment of Michelangelo’s famed "Cupid with a Bow" survives and can be seen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is considered an important work that blends Renaissance artistry with classical ideals of beauty.
7. Cupid and Dolphin by Verrocchio
Location: Bargello National Museum, Florence, Italy
Overview: Andrea del Verrocchio’s bronze statue features Cupid embracing a dolphin, symbolizing love and water as sources of life and vitality. This early Renaissance work highlights Verrocchio’s skill in rendering emotion and motion in sculpture.
8. Cupid and Psyche by Clodion
Location: The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
Overview: This delicate Rococo sculpture captures Cupid and Psyche in an intimate embrace. Clodion’s style is characterized by its soft, sensual textures and romantic themes, making it one of the most enchanting depictions of the love story.
9. Sleeping Cupid by Caravaggio
Location: Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy
Overview: This sculpture is inspired by Caravaggio’s famous painting "Sleeping Cupid," symbolizing the vulnerability and innocence of love. Although it is not directly attributed to Caravaggio, this work reflects his influence on the representation of Cupid in art.
10. Eros of Centocelle
Location: Capitoline Museums, Rome, Italy
Overview: This ancient Roman statue of Eros (Cupid in Greek mythology) is a classic example of Hellenistic influence. Depicting a youthful and athletic Cupid, it emphasizes physical beauty and divine allure, characteristics often associated with the god of love.
Tips for Travelers:
Plan ahead: These museums and public spaces are often busy, so book tickets in advance where necessary.
Guided tours: Many locations offer guided tours that provide detailed background on the statues and their historical significance.
Photography: Check the rules for photography at each location—some museums may have restrictions.
By visiting these remarkable statues, you’ll gain insight into how artists across different eras have interpreted the enduring theme of love and desire through the figure of Cupid.
