Blindfolded Amor Carrying a Bow and Flaming Torch c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have, "Blindfolded Amor Carrying a Bow and Flaming Torch," attributed to Georges Lallemant. It’s a beautiful, detailed drawing, but something about the blindfold feels unsettling. What do you make of it? Curator: This drawing reflects the powerful influence of classical mythology on art academies. Amor, or Cupid, is often depicted blindfolded to symbolize the irrationality and often arbitrary nature of love. But, what kind of social messaging do you think an image like this was meant to convey? Editor: I guess it suggests love is blind and unpredictable, maybe uncontrollable. Curator: Exactly. And who controlled the narrative around love, marriage, and family in the societies that created and consumed images like this? Consider the power dynamics at play. Editor: That’s a really interesting point. It makes me see the drawing in a whole new, more critical light. Curator: Understanding the social context is crucial to interpreting art. It shapes both its creation and reception.