Cupid cutting his bow from the club of Hercules at the Louvre, Paris

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Cupid, depicted here as a young deity, has boldly snatched away the mighty weapons of Mars and the trusty club of Hercules. Elated with his daring exploit, he chuckles wickedly as he carefully tests the spring of the bow he has skillfully carved from the club's sturdy wood. Bouchardon first showcased the terra-cotta model at the 1739 Salon, where it was met with great acclaim; a marble rendition was subsequently commissioned by Philibert Oudry, director of the King's esteemed Buildings, in 1740, but as Bouchardon was deeply engaged in crafting the Grenelle fountain, he did not begin work on the marble until 1745. The renowned sculptor devoted himself to creating several studies from life in order to infuse his figure with a natural and effortless appearance; he then showcased a plaster model at the 1746 Salon, where it was highly praised by the art connoisseurs. From July 1747 to May 1750, Bouchardon worked tirelessly on the marble, carefully executing the sanding and polishing himself, tasks typically entrusted to his skilled assistants. Nonetheless, the generous astronomical fee - a staggering 21,000 livres - he received for the sculpture more than made up for his extra efforts.