Cupid Playing on the Lute c. 16th century

This small, circular bronze relief, “Cupid Playing on the Lute,” depicts the Roman god of love and desire, Cupid, playing a lute. The intricate design of the relief is typical of 16th-century European art, with a focus on fine detail and naturalistic depictions. The piece is likely a small decorative object, possibly a pendant or part of a larger piece of jewelry. The image of Cupid, with its intricate detail and skillful rendering, showcases the artistry of the anonymous craftsman. The relief is an example of the popularity of classical mythology in art during the Renaissance period and highlights the skill of the anonymous artist in creating a piece with exquisite detail and a sense of movement despite its small size.