Artwork
Amor spænder sin bue
Amor spænder sin bue is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Eric Paulsen. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Amor spænder sin bue (1789) is an oil painting by Danish artist Erik Pauelsen, characterized by its rococo style and mythological subject matter, featuring a depiction of Cupid.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Cupid in a contemplative pose, kneeling with bow and arrow, conveying a serious and pensive demeanor that deviates from the traditional playful representation of the mythological figure. This somber interpretation may reflect the artist's personal turmoil.
Technique & Style
Pauelsen employs a dark, shadowy background, juxtaposed with focused lighting on the figure, emphasizing Cupid's introspective state. The rococo influence is evident in the delicate, nuanced rendering of the figure's pose and facial expression.
History & Provenance
Created in 1789, the painting is now part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst. Pauelsen's short career ended with his suicide in 1790, a year after the work's completion.
Context
While contemporaries like Jens Juel and Nicolai Abildgaard gained more recognition, Pauelsen's work, including *Amor spænder sin bue*, reflects the artistic tastes of late 18th-century Denmark, with its blend of rococo sensibility and mythological themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Erik Pauelsen (2 or 14 October 1749 – 20 February 1790) was a Danish painter. He is most notable for his landscapes and was also a popular portraitist. However, he did not experience the same level of success as Jens…
