Cupid Triumphant

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Cupid's dominance in Thorvaldsen's art is a reflection of his supreme status in classical mythology - not due to physical prowess, but because he embodies the power that governs both mortals and gods. Cupid Triumphant showcases Cupid's superior authority over the gods. "Triumphant" here implies victorious, not triumphant with malicious satisfaction; Cupid's gaze is fixed intently on the arrowhead without self-satisfied glee. The term means simply victorious - victorious over the other gods: Hercules has already surrendered by abandoning his lion skin draped over the tree stump behind Cupid. Apollo has yielded to Cupid, relinquishing his beloved lyre, which now stands behind the tree stump; Jupiter has placed his thunderbolt at Cupid's feet, and Mars has handed over his helmet. Thorvaldsen created the original model in Rome in 1814.