Cupid Complaining to Venus
Peter Flötner (German, 1485–1546)
c. 1540–46
Medium
lead
Dimensions
6.8 × 9.2 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
European Painting and Sculpture
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1984.15
Tags
male
About this artwork
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.