raised left hand he holds the bow, of which we see only a portion. His
left leg is bent in position to rise again. Like David, he has an
abundance of bushy hair crowning his handsome head; his straight brows
and set mouth show the same determination of character. He stands for
love which is determined to win, for love which conquers every
obstacle, for love which is unerring in aim. It is a much nobler
conception than the mere passing fancy of which the old myth speaks.
Michelangelo was one who believed that

"Love betters what is best,
Even here below, but more in heaven above."[8]

So he put into a pagan fancy a new and higher meaning.

[Footnote 8: one of Michelangelo's sonnets translated by Wordsworth.]

To understand fully the qualities of this work of art, one ought to
see it from many points of view, and study the lines. The long curve
of the right arm follows the curve of the right leg from hip to knee.
The bend of the left arm repeats the line made by the bend of the left
leg. The two extended arms together form a long line arching like the
curve of a bow.

From every standpoint all the lines are beautiful and harmonious. This
was the secret the Greeks had taught the young Italian sculptor. In
other respects he was entirely original. Cupid, like David, is in an
attitude of action. In another moment he will move. This was quite
different from the Greek sculpture, which always gives an impression
of repose.