The Cupid Dealer (before 1889)

Antonio Rossetti (1819-1889) sculpted The Cupid Dealer out of white marble. The piece’s title is enigmatic, and may have been inspired by ancient Roman wall paintings discovered when Herculaneum and Pompeii were found in the previous century. It may also have been influenced by La Marchande d’Amours, a 1763 oil on canvas painting by the French artist Joseph-Marie Vien, which is called in English The Cupid Seller. In this painting, a woman pulls cupids (flying children representing romantic love) out of a basket, as though they were tokens of love for sale. Rossetti’s Cupid Dealer, however, appears to be examining the little chap, perhaps even controlling or assessing him, rather than engaging in an act of sale or indiscriminate distribution.

We are taught by the prevailing culture that if we are attracted to something or someone, it must be a legitimate desire, because, after all, it comes to us naturally. We should rather be more like Rossetti’s Dealer, examining each urge and impulse, probing and investigating each infatuation and passion. If it is contrary to God’s word, the Bible, then it is not good for us, no matter how natural and enjoyable it feels. A beautiful man or woman to whom we are not married is not a valid and authentic recipient of our sexual impulses. Put such a cupid back in its box, and walk away.