WHAT? Caravaggio’s Cupid
WHERE? The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
WHEN? Now until 12 April 2026. Free to visit
WHY GO? To meet the angelic provocateur. It was shocking at the time, a twelve-year-old naked boy wearing nothing except a cheeky grin, but Caravaggio’s Victorious Cupid is as striking as it is provocative and has a history equally enthralling.
On show for the first time in the UK on loan from the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, Christmas seems a timely moment to view this winged cupid — though he is a tad more erotic than the usual angelic messenger.
He once belonged to the wealthy Marchese Vincenzo Giustiniani where he was displayed alongside other great paintings by the likes of Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian.
Quite what exact message lies behind the composition is open to the imagination but “Love conquers all” is the general gist with symbolic props like the compass, pen and musical instruments all conveying great cultural achievements.
It is displayed to suggest how it would originally have been shown in 17th-century Rome accompanied by two ancient Roman sculptures from the same collection.
Only a few years after winning fame and glory with his controversial Cupid, Caravaggio was forced to flee Rome having killed a man in a brawl and, as is sadly recorded, died on his way back home in 1610.
IN THE KNOW From kitsch Christmas cards to Valentine trinkets, who doesn’t love a Cupid? Looking for Love? Cupid in Art and Literature promises to reveal all in a talk from the experts on Friday 6 February 2026. Booking info online.