Thetis and Cupid Riding Fish
Classification
classicism
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-2848
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Thetis and Cupid Fish** *Fortunato Duranti (Italian, 1787–1863), ca. 1820* Fortunato Duranti a skilled Italian artist active during the early 19th century, this captivating work around 1820, embodying the spirit of classicism. The title evokes a whimsical mythological scene: Thetis, the sea nymph and mother of Achilles from Greek lore, joins the mischievous Cupid—god of love—as they ride fish through the waves. This playful fusion of divine figures highlights Duranti's neoclassical style, which drew inspiration from ancient Greco-Roman art to celebrate harmony, grace, and idealized beau...