Sleeping Cupid (Michelangelo)

The Sleeping Cupid was a sculpture attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti during his early career, likely created between 1496 and 1497. The statue, carved from marble, depicted Cupid in a state of slumber. It is a significant piece in understanding Michelangelo's early development and his masterful ability to imitate antique sculpture.

The story surrounding the Sleeping Cupid is almost as important as the piece itself. Michelangelo, seeking patronage in Rome, was advised by Baldassare del Milanese to artificially age the sculpture to pass it off as an antique. Baldassare believed an antique would fetch a higher price. Michelangelo purportedly stained the marble with earth to create the illusion of age.

The sculpture was then sold to Cardinal Riario as a genuine antique. However, the Cardinal later discovered the deception when he learned of Michelangelo's role in its creation. Despite being misled, Riario was impressed by Michelangelo's talent and subsequently invited him to Rome.

The Sleeping Cupid has been lost to history, and its current whereabouts, or even confirmation of its survival, remain unknown. Its existence is primarily documented through contemporary accounts and letters, solidifying its place in the narrative of Michelangelo's early artistic development and his entry into the Roman art world. The story underscores the prevailing artistic climate of the Renaissance, where the value placed on classical antiquity heavily influenced artistic practices and the art market. The incident highlights Michelangelo's ambition, skill, and the opportunistic nature of the art world at the time.