Small pictures with Cupids

In the two small pictures, which come from the same wall or room, we can see a cupid absorbed in hunting placid animals such as the deer and the hare, with the help of a dog. In the case of the deer, which judging by the size of its horns is an adult, the cupid is getting ready to launch a spear, while in the case of the hare, despite being armed with the same weapon, he is content to set the dog on the animal, which runs away. Scenes showing cupids against wild beasts such as lions or bears are rare, since the tiny winged genies are always treated as being characters from a delicate world of make-believe, which childishly apes that of the adult world. Bibliography: H 809, 811; Pitture di Ercolano, II tav. 43

Fonte: MANN
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