Cupido draagt een wereldbol - Koenraad Fuhri

A detailed nineteenth-century Dutch lithograph by Koenraad Fuhri, depicting an allegorical scene of Cupid carrying a globe inscribed with revolutionary ideals.

This lithograph by the Dutch artist Koenraad Fuhri presents a whimsical, allegorical scene centred on the figure of Cupid. Suspended in the air, the winged deity carries a large globe, which is pierced by an arrow and marked with the ideals of 'Liberté', 'Égalité', and 'Fraternité'. The composition is populated by numerous small figures engaged in various social interactions, reflecting the mid-nineteenth-century fascination with moralising and satirical imagery.

Fuhri employs a delicate, fine-line technique characteristic of the period's lithographic production. The scene is arranged in a loose, vignette-like fashion, with figures scattered across the page in a manner that suggests a narrative of human folly and romantic pursuit. To the left, groups of people gather in formal attire, while to the right, more fantastical or symbolic characters, including a figure by a cauldron, suggest a broader commentary on the nature of love and social contracts. The inclusion of text labels, such as 'De Liefde' (Love) at the base, confirms the work's intent as a didactic or satirical print.

The print captures the aesthetic sensibilities of the mid-1800s, where allegorical subjects were frequently used to explore contemporary social dynamics. The light, airy treatment of the background contrasts with the dense, busy arrangement of the foreground figures, creating a sense of depth despite the flat, graphic nature of the medium. This piece offers a glimpse into the popular visual culture of the Netherlands during the nineteenth century, where such prints were often circulated as social commentary or lighthearted entertainment. The work remains a curious example of how classical mythology was adapted to fit the evolving social and political discourse of the era.