Cupid and Minerva

1788

Not on view

Demonstrating close study of classical and Renaissance sources, Cosway imagines an intimate moment in the life of the ancient gods, showing the warrior goddess Minerva teaching the boy Cupid how to aim his bow. An early biographer called it a "splendid work...powerfully drawn...the pose...admirable, the grouping remarkable...a particularly fine specimen of the master's firmest, sharpest work."

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Cupid and Minerva
Artist: Richard Cosway (British, Oakford, Devon 1742–1821 London)
Date: 1788
Medium: Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, over graphite
Dimensions: Overall: 6 15/16 x 5 5/16in. (17.6 x 13.5cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1961
Object Number: 61.134
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

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Richard and Maria Cosway

Multiple artists/makers

1784

Ensign Lionel Robert Tollemache (1774–1793), Richard Cosway British, Ivory — Ensign Lionel Robert Tollemache (1774–1793)
Richard Cosway

Lavinia, Countess Spencer as Juno, Richard Cosway British, Graphite — Lavinia, Countess Spencer as Juno
Richard Cosway
Lavinia Spencer, Countess Spencer
ca. 1806

Mrs. Robinson as Perdita, Richard Cosway British, Graphite, blue chalk, and watercolor, with touches of gouache (bodycolor) — Mrs. Robinson as Perdita
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1779

Portrait of George, 5th Duke of Marlborough, with Blenheim Palace in the Distance, Richard Cosway British, Graphite and watercolor — Portrait of George, 5th Duke of Marlborough, with Blenheim Palace in the Distance
Richard Cosway
George Spencer-Churchill, 5th Duke of Marlborough [Marquess of Blandford]
1817–21

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