Have you noticed the subtle smile on Cupid’s face? This is L’amour se taillant un arc dans la massue d’Hercule. It translates to Cupid Cutting His Bow from the Club of Hercules. The statue before you embodies a fascinating blend of love and strength.
Edme Bouchardon a French sculptor created this marble statue in 1750. It is currently preserved at the Musée du Louvre. Bouchardon was considered the greatest sculptor of his time. He was born in Chaumont and became a pupil of Guillaume Coustou. In 1722 he even gained the Prix de Rome.
Bouchardon resisted the rococo style. He preferred a classic taste. His art was pure and correct. He paid great attention to detail.
From 1723 to 1732 Bouchardon stayed at the Académie de France in Rome. During this time he made a striking bust of Pope Benedict XIII in 1730. In 1746 he produced Cupid fashioning a Bow out of the Club of Hercules. It was perfect in its grace. However it remained cold in its classic design.
Philibert Orry suggested in 1738 or 1739 that he depict Cupid. Cupid is the son of Mars and Venus. He is the god of Love. Cupid is cutting his bow from the club of Hercules. The work was to adorn the immense salon of Hercules at the Palace of Versailles.
Look closely at L’amour se taillant un arc dans la massue d’Hercule. Notice the details. Bouchardon included Cupid’s weapons. There is the bow. The quiver is full of arrows. You can also see the weapons of Mars like the plumed helmet and the sword. Hercules attributes are also visible such as the club and the skin of the Nemean lion.
The statue stands 1.73 meters high. It weighs 546 kg without its base. The inscription on the quiver reads PAR EDME BOUCHARDON DE CHAUMONT en Bassigni FAIT en 1750.
The swirling movement of the sculpted Cupid invites you to circle the marble. Admire his posture from the front. Then move to admire Cupid’s face and mischievous smile.
L’amour se taillant un arc dans la massue d’Hercule was initially placed in the salon de la Guerre at Versailles in August 1750. Later in November 1752 it was moved to the salon de l’Orangerie. In September 1778 it was transported to the Louvre.