Elysium or Cupid Punish’d

• Engraver: John Ogborn (British, active late 18th century)
• After: Thomas Stothard RA (British, 1755–1834)
• Publisher: Thomas Macklin, London, 1787
• Medium: Hand-coloured engraving
• Dimensions:
  • Sight: 10 3/4" x 12"
  • Framed: 16 1/4" x 17 1/4"
• Condition Report: Foxing is present, but otherwise in good condition

Description:

This delightful hand-coloured engraving presents a humorous and whimsical scene featuring Cupid in a playful predicament. Tied to a tree with his hands behind his back, the mischievous god of love is at the mercy of a group of teasing nymphs.

• One nymph kneels, untying his knots
• Another tickles him with roses
• A third stands to the right, raising her hands playfully

The scene embodies lighthearted mischief, portraying Cupid—normally the master of love—suddenly rendered powerless in a game of flirtation.

About the Artist:

Thomas Stothard RA (1755–1834) was a renowned British painter, illustrator, and engraver. His works, known for their elegance and imaginative compositions, often depicted romantic, historical, and allegorical themes. Stothard’s legacy continued through his son, Robert T. Stothard, who famously documented the proclamation of Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837 outside York Minster.

This engraving, crafted by John Ogborn, beautifully captures Stothard’s signature blend of grace, narrative charm, and classical influence, making it a fine example of 18th-century British printmaking.