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Cupid relinquishes his bow and arrows and deposits
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Cupid relinquishes his bow and arrows and deposits
Cupid relinquishes his bow and arrows and deposits them with the British standard. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by William Nelson Gardiner after an illustration by Princess Elizabeth from Thomas Parks Cupid Turned Volunteer, London, 1804
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Media ID 23382472
© Florilegius
Allegory Arrows Assumes Cherub Cupid Deposits Gardiner Matchlock Musket Nelson Putti Turned Volunteer Elizabeth Firelock
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this handcoloured copperplate engraving by William Nelson Gardiner, we witness an intriguing allegory of Cupid, the Roman god of love, relinquishing his traditional symbols of desire - his bow and arrows. Instead, he assumes the role of a soldier, depositing his weapons with a British standard. The illustration, based on a drawing by Princess Elizabeth, was published in Thomas Park's "Cupid Turned Volunteer" in London in 1804. The image presents a striking juxtaposition of classical and contemporary elements. The cherubic figure of Cupid, with his diaphanous wings and rosy cheeks, stands out against the backdrop of military paraphernalia. He wears a red military jacket, a white shirt, and a blue waistcoat, while holding a matchlock musket in one hand and a powder horn in the other. The British standard, adorned with the Union Jack, stands tall in the foreground, symbolizing the patriotism and military might of the nation. The allegory of Cupid as a soldier can be interpreted in various ways. It could represent the idea of love as a powerful force that can inspire courage and unity in people, leading them to fight for a cause. Alternatively, it could be a commentary on the fleeting nature of love and desire, suggesting that they too can be replaced by more enduring values such as duty, loyalty, and sacrifice. The artist, Princess Elizabeth, was a talented painter and illustrator, known for her portraits and allegorical works. Her collaboration with Gardiner resulted in a beautiful and thought-provoking image that continues to intrigue and inspire viewers even today. This engraving is a testament to the enduring power of art to explore timeless themes and capture the imagination of generations.
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