Miniature seal in the form of Cupid disguised as a barrister 1765 - 1775

This miniature seal, fashioned from porcelain by the Derby Porcelain Manufactory, presents Cupid disguised as a barrister. The figure is adorned with the garb of law, yet retains the cherubic features and playful essence of the god of love. Consider the figure of Cupid, a motif that transcends eras and cultures. From ancient Roman frescoes to Renaissance paintings, Cupid embodies desire and affection. Here, however, Cupid's familiar form is humorously subverted. The artist presents an almost satirical juxtaposition of love and law, two forces rarely aligned. The choice to depict Cupid in disguise speaks volumes, perhaps suggesting that even the most primal of emotions can be subject to societal constraints. It’s a recurring theme that echoes through Botticelli's Venus, draped in modesty, and Titian's bacchanals, where revelry is tinged with moral caution. Notice how the artist engages our subconscious, prompting us to question the very nature of love. Is it pure and untamed, or is it shaped and molded by the structures of society? In this cyclical dance between chaos and order, Cupid the barrister emerges, reminding us that symbols never truly fade away but instead transform, adapt, and reappear in unexpected guises.