The artwork titled “Cupid Riding a Dolphin” is a mythological painting by the renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens, created in 1636. This oil on board masterpiece measures 14.5 x 13.5 cm and is a representative work of the Baroque art movement. Currently, the artwork is housed at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, Belgium.
The artwork vividly depicts the Roman god Cupid, recognizable by his wings, as he straddles a dolphin. With a dynamic and playful energy, Cupid is shown in the midst of action, his body turned as if he’s just taken aim with his bow. The fluidity of Rubens’ brushwork imbues the scene with movement, seamlessly blending the figures of Cupid and the dolphin with the surrounding waters. The piece’s small size adds a sense of intimacy to the depiction, while the artist’s command of the Baroque style is evident in the dramatic expressiveness and the rich textural details. Despite the painting’s modest dimensions, it is imbued with the grandeur and vitality characteristic of Rubens’ oeuvre.
