The artwork entitled “Cupid with Thorn,” created by the distinguished artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau in the year 1894, exemplifies the artist’s masterful use of oil on canvas. This mythological painting, measured at 80 by 125.7 centimeters, belongs to the Academicism art movement and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a young Cupid, the ancient deity of love, seated outdoors amidst a verdant background. Cupid is portrayed as a cherubic figure with delicate, white wings and curly, golden hair. He is focusing intently on his foot, which he holds up delicately to inspect a thorn that has pricked him. This composition is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing Bouguereau’s command over texture, light, and anatomy. The serene expression on Cupid’s face, combined with the soft, diffused lighting, imbues the scene with an ethereal and tender quality. The surrounding foliage is lush, supplementing the sense of tranquility and natural beauty integral to the piece.
