Éros, la torche et l’abeille

Une autre interprétation de l’intaille du Musée Fitzwilliam (Cambridge)

Abstract

The iconography of Eros is full of surprises. A re-examination of the Fitzwilliam Museum’s intaglio representing Eros burning an insect, allows us to immerse ourselves in a stylistic period that was then in full upheaval and to distinguish a unique iconography. Contrary to traditional iconography, in this representation Eros does not burn a butterfly, but a bee. By exploring this difference, this intaglio opens up a new symbolism of the gesture and makes it possible to weave direct links with Greek poetry.