If thus to sleep [and dream] is sweeter than to wake, To die were surely sweeter than to live, Though there be nothing new beneath the sun.
—Christina Rossetti

Eros, the Greek god of love, pierces his arrows into the hearts of mankind and stirs up the dreams of romance. We fall into a deep sleep, or trance, upon gazing at the new love of our life: marionettes in the cupid's hands. Is it all trickery and magic? Does the child mean well, or is he causing trouble in the house of the three fates? Mythology tells us that Eros was oft in trouble with his elders for pulling all sorts of pranks and gags. And yet the act of matchmaking that is so central to his powers is a touching and sweet gift. After all, he's a child - the very meaning of innocence and purity. The Met's analysis of this statue:

Eros... has been brought down to earth and disarmed, a conception considerably different from that of the powerful, often cruel, and capricious being so often addressed in Archaic poetry.

How amazing what we can see if we take a second look - a more earnest gaze - beyond just what we see at face value.

Decide for yourself the judgement of Eros.

Zoom in for more detail on Greek art from the Met.