Amor 1632 - 1664

Girolamo Rossi created this 239 by 171-millimeter print, titled Amor, in the 17th century. Here, we see Cupid, the god of love, not as the mischievous archer, but asleep and disarmed. His bow and quiver lie discarded at his feet, symbols of love's power temporarily abandoned. This image echoes motifs found across centuries, from ancient Greek depictions of Eros to Renaissance paintings. The sleeping figure represents a moment of vulnerability, a pause in the relentless activity of desire. Consider how the abandoned weapons contrast with the active Cupid we often see, his arrows poised to strike. This stillness invites reflection on love’s capricious nature. Does this moment of repose suggest a deeper connection between love and vulnerability, or a more somber contemplation on the transient nature of passion? It is a question that continues to resonate through the ages, resurfacing in various forms, inviting us to ponder its enduring significance.