What is an antique cupid statue made of?

These sculptures are constructed from materials such as cast bronze, carved white marble, and fired terracotta. Other examples utilise glazed porcelain and ceramic. Each medium imparts a different weight and surface texture to the figure. Bronze allows for dark patination or gilt finishes, while marble offers a smooth, luminous quality.

How do I style a cupid statue at home?

Place a bronze or marble sculpture on a mantelpiece, pedestal, or sturdy wooden side table where the details can be viewed from multiple angles. Smaller porcelain figures sit well within glass-fronted cabinets or on desks. Pair these pieces with neutral backgrounds to let the metallic patinas or white marble stand out. They complement traditional period interiors as well as eclectic, art-filled rooms.

What is the difference between a cupid and a putto?

Cupid is the specific mythological god of love, often identifiable by attributes such as a bow, quiver of arrows, or romantic narratives involving Psyche. Putti are generic infant spirit figures, frequently winged, that populate decorative scenes. While cupid is a named character with a specific identity, putti often appear in pairs or groups as decorative attendants. Both types share a visual language of childhood innocence combined with classical form.

How can I tell the age of a bronze cupid?

Examine the quality of the chasing and the characteristics of the surface patination. Nineteenth-century bronzes often display specific casting seams, hand-chased surface details, and rich patinas built up over decades. Signatures or foundry marks stamped onto the base provide further chronological clues. Comparing the styling of the hair, wings, and pedestal base to known period works helps confirm the date.