Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Sleeping Cupid, about 1595-1596

The sleeping Cupid, a familiar subject in ancient sculpture and poetry, enjoyed great popularity after Michaelangelo revived it in the 16th century with a work carved in imitation of the Antique. Although many artists were inspired to take up the subject, Caravaggio's dark, unidealized Cupid is remarkable for its affirmation of love's perils. His cruel god of love, weary from inflicting so many wounds, sleeps none too soundly, his weapons still in hand.

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