Cupid on Horseback

Art Historical Context

Behold the whimsical *Cupid on Horseback by Francesco Fanelli, captivating small-scale bronze from the 17th century. The model for this piece was crafted before 1639, casts produced between 1640 and 1664, placing it squarely in the Baroque era's love for dynamic, subjects. At just 15.3 cm high and 20.4 cm long, copper alloy sculpture captures the Roman god of love—playful Cupid—astride a rearing horse, evoking movement and youthful exuberance perfect for a collector's tabletop. Fanelli's mastery shines in the medium: a copper alloy treated with a dark brown lacquer patina, which lends a rich, aged glow that enhances the bronze's tactile allure and protects it over centuries. This technique was prized for small metalworks, allowing intricate details like the horse's muscled form and Cupid's windswept pose to emerge with lifelike vitality. Housed in the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1975, this work reflects the era's fascination with classical myths reimagined in miniature. It invites visitors to ponder love's wild ride—timeless, spirited, and full of charm.