• Bertel Thorvaldsen 1770-1844

Cupid with a Butterfly

• Production DateNo earlier than 1805
• Type of Work / ObjectDrawing

• Location

  • Not on display
• Inventory NumberC813

• Catalogue NumberC813
• Catalogue Level / CollectionThorvaldsen's Art > Thorvaldsen's Drawings (C)

Explanation

• For thousands of years the butterfly has been seen as an image of the soul and its immortality. In the Hellenistic period Cupid was portrayed as the one who pursues – and at times torments – the soul in the shape of a butterfly. In Greek the original meaning of psyche is life, later also spirit or soul; and it is also the name of a butterfly. Thorvaldsen used the motifs several times. He was for example familiar with it from his fine collection of antique gems.

Motif / Theme

• Animal > Butterfly
• Human > God > Erotes > Eros / Cupid
• General Subject > Greek and Roman mythology

Additional Catalogue Information