Cephisa Shoots Cupid's Bow - a Scene from Montesquieu's Céphise Et L'amour published in 1725 

Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes was a French painter known for his landscapes and classical scenes. This painting, "Cephisa Shoots Cupid's Bow," is likely inspired by a scene from the novel "Céphise Et L'amour" by Montesquieu, published in 1725. The scene is set in a lush, idealized landscape with a winding river and distant hills, reminiscent of the idyllic landscapes popular in the 18th century. Cephisa, a nymph, stands in the center of the painting, poised to shoot an arrow at a small winged figure, likely representing Cupid. The composition, with the figures placed amidst a verdant forest, evokes a sense of harmony and beauty. The painting exemplifies the Neoclassical style, characterized by its emphasis on clarity, order, and rationality.