Ian Wardropper: This playful sculpture shows a nymph about to be struck by one of Cupid's darts. Cupid takes aim, though he has lost the arrow he once held. The nymph shies away, but at the same time seems to indicate with her fingers exactly where the arrow should strike. This erotic and ambiguous image of young love is typical of the playful French Rococo style.

The sculpture was made by Jean-Louis Lemoyne and was originally intended for Louis XV. But the king instead presented it to the Marquis de Marigny. He was the brother of the King's mistress, the famous Madame de Pompadour. The Marquis installed it in the magnificent gardens of his château at Ménars. Animated pieces such as this were favorites in the elaborate, planned gardens that became popular in the eighteenth century.

Please take a few moments to walk around this piece. The nymph's drapery is carved to form small, crinkled folds. Notice the way light seems to catch these crisp peaks and to flicker and dance over the marble's surface. This amusing play of light emphasizes the light-hearted—even frivolous—character of the sculpture itself.