Venus Stung by Cupid's Arrows 17th-18th century

Editor: This is "Venus Stung by Cupid's Arrows" by Bernard Picart. I'm struck by the expressions on their faces; Venus seems almost annoyed. What's your take on this work? Curator: This piece allows us to consider the power dynamics inherent in classical mythology and their representation. Does Cupid's act symbolize innocent love, or a more aggressive assertion of power, particularly in how it affects Venus's agency and autonomy? Editor: So, it's not just a pretty picture, but a statement about power? Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to question the narratives we inherit and their implications for understanding gender and relationships. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks!