• Bertel Thorvaldsen

  1770-1844

• Authenticity

  Posthumously done

Cupid in the Underworld

• Whole work's title

  Cupid's Reign over the Four Elements

• Production Date

  No earlier than 1828

• Type of Work / Object

  Sculpture > Relief

• Location

  • Denmark > Copenhagen > Thorvaldsens Museum > Main Floor > Room 16

• Inventory Number

  A380

• Catalogue Number

  A380

• Catalogue Level / Collection

  Thorvaldsen's Art > Thorvaldsen's Sculptures (A)

Explanation

• The fiery interior of the world, here symbolised by the three-headed dog Cerberus, the guardian of the Underworld, is controlled by Cupid. He has here placed his bow like a noose around the dog’s three heads, and in his hand he holds the pitchfork belonging to Pluto, the god of the Underworld.

Motif / Theme

• Human > God > Erotes > Eros / Cupid
• General Subject > Greek and Roman mythology
• Location > Underworld

Additional Catalogue Information