Cupid and Pan

This is a marble statue made by Holme Cardwell, dated 1862. This statue is executed in Rome where Cardwell lived for some years, although he exhibited at the Royal Academy in London, and many of his patrons were British. This statue represents Cupid and Pan. This group is based on the theme of Love the Conqueror, in which Cupid is shown overcoming Pan, who is crouched on one knee, by holding one of his horns.

Since Pan represents carnal lust, this theme was seen as the combat of divine over earthly love, Cupid in this case having the more virtuous role. As Pan also personifies universal nature, this relief thus equally illustrates the all-embracing power of love.