Cupid raising bunches of flowers with both arms

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Paolo de Mattheis, an Italian artist active during the late Baroque period, created this charming depiction of Cupid between 1710 and 1728. Working primarily in Naples and Rome, de Mattheis was celebrated for his fluid handling of mythological subjects, often infusing classical themes with warmth vitality. The figure ofid, shown lifting of flowers, evokes themes love, renewal, the natural world—motifs that resonated strongly in early eighteenth-century European art. As a work classified simply as “figures,” the piece likely served a decorative or devotional purpose, perhaps as a sculptural element or modeled form intended to delight viewers with its playful energy. Such representations of Cupid were popular in both grand estates and intimate settings, bridging fine art and the decorative arts traditions of the time. This artwork entered the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection through a museum purchase made possible by generous donors and the Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund, underscoring its enduring appeal as a graceful embodiment of mythological charm. Though research on the piece continues, it offers visitors a window into the lively spirit of Italian art during the transition from Baroque exuberance to emerging Rococo lightness.