Love Prisoner to Wisdom
Horatio Greenough
(American, 1805–1852)
1836
Object PlaceFlorence, Italy
Medium/TechniqueMarble
DimensionsOverall: 109.9 x 31.8 x 36.8 cm, 70.3 kg (43 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 14 1/2 in., 155 lb.)
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Horatio Greenough
Accession number92.2643
On View
On viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
A sonnet by Petrarch, an early Renaissance poet and humanist, described the triumph of chastity over sensuality. Here, the owl behind chained Cupid symbolizes wisdom-thus, prudence is restraining reckless love. White-marble sculpture inspired by classical and Renaissance prototypes became increasingly popular in America in the early nineteenth century.
ProvenanceMrs. Horatio Greenough, Boston.
