Coup de Vent before 1894

Gustave Joseph Chéret created "Coup de Vent," or "Gust of Wind," in the late 19th century out of terracotta. During this time, the Belle Époque in France, art often reflected a sense of optimism, pleasure, and a romanticized view of life, which you can definitely see in this sculpture. Cherubs, typically associated with innocence and beauty, are carrying a shell through the wind. This could reference the birth of Venus, an established trope in art history that typically depicts an idealized vision of femininity. Here though, the cherubs are the focus. There is a feeling of movement that Chéret creates with the swirling drapery and figures. This sculpture offers an interesting commentary on traditional representations of beauty, challenging viewers to reconsider our relationship to classical themes by depicting cherubic figures in a new dynamic. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and freedom.