Love, Cupid | The Transformation of Eros

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you will most likely see Cupid everywhere. His likeness is in lots of museums around the world, he was immortalized in countless paintings and sculptures over the centuries. Cupid represents love and lovers everywhere.

19th century Art Nouveau Jardiniere

He was not, however, the sweet, cherubic faced little baby male with wings we know today. Cupid, the archer who could, with an arrow of his choosing {golden arrows to arouse passion; lead arrows to bring forth aversion} was also known as Eros, the son of Venus, who was the goddess of love. He was a powerful god, the effects of his arrows of love were not appreciated in ancient Rome. The Roman Empire was not amused with citizens who were crazy in love, they admired self controlled people, so Cupid was not a welcome visitor.

Antique French Original Oil Painting

Putti, those sweet male babies, chubby and so lovable, often with wings, also originated in Roman art. Their name is derived from the Latin putus, which means "boy." In the 15th century, the iconography of Cupid began to become indistinguishable from the putto. No longer a strong, male god, Cupid, a popular figure in the Middle Ages, slowly transformed into an adorable baby or toddler. Under Christian influence he often had a dual nature as "Heavenly and Earthly love".

Antique French Fragonard Portrait Necklace

It was the romantic Victorians who truly transformed our vision of Cupid forever. Victorian paintings, sculptures and art were filled with pudgy, flying babies to represent love. Victorians popularized Valentines, thereby sealing the fate of Cupid forever. He has been transformed from a strong, handsome young man into a small, darling toddler carrying his bow and arrows inspiring romantic love, and he is the ultimate icon of Valentine's Day.

Antique French Carved Putto Corbel

Always drawn to the putto, or cherubs, I love them every day. For their charm, their often "humorous" depictions. Do you love cherubs or cupids for decorating at Valentines' or do you have them in your collection and on display all year round?

19th century Parian Bisque Cherubs

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