Beeld van Cupido en de drie Gratiën, door Bertel Thorvaldsen 1855 - 1885

Curator: This is "Cupid and the Three Graces" by Bertel Thorvaldsen. Though the statue was made between 1855 and 1885, the artwork aligns with the Neoclassical movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. You can find it here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Immediately, I notice the coolness of the marble. Its smooth, pale surface gives an ethereal quality, which contrasts with the warmth I would expect from such a familiar and sensuous theme. Curator: Yes, Thorvaldsen's Neoclassical style deliberately references the idealism of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, evoking beauty and harmony through formal simplicity. Notice the careful arrangement; the sculpture reflects the period's interest in ideal beauty and mythological themes, reflecting Enlightenment philosophies. Editor: And there is a subtle tension, wouldn’t you agree? The interlocking arms create a continuous line, guiding the eye smoothly around the sculpture, emphasizing their unity but there is an undeniable chill given the material. Curator: These works were, however, not without criticism. Some felt it was mere mimicry. We should recognize how artists working after revolutions grappled with themes of virtue and order amidst chaos, imbuing their art with the gravity of civic duty. Editor: Perhaps the choice of marble underscores this era’s search for permanence. Marble's delicate veins highlight the artist's ability to find perfection. The smooth transition and simple volumes convey a sense of calm and elegance but there’s still this standoffish-ness to the subjects of love and beauty. Curator: Understanding the context gives us another opportunity to reconsider it. Instead of criticizing the art, one can instead look for nuance given that these figures come down to us in the same era as great upheavals. Editor: Agreed. I initially read coolness into the work, but knowing how revolutionary this period was reframes this moment from cold to considerate and restrained, even purposeful.