The Forge of Cupid
1890
In a lush, shadowy forest, Cupid takes a break from his usual mischief to do some serious metalwork. Kneeling at a rustic anvil, the winged god hammers out a fresh arrow while a female companion in a flowing maroon dress holds a bundle of finished ammunition. It's a surprisingly domestic look at the mythological matchmaker, blending the Pre-Raphaelite love for rich colors and detailed nature with Symbolist mystery. You can almost hear the clinking of the hammer and the rushing water from the nearby trough in this quiet, magical moment.