Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind. —William Shakespeare Quote in white text on Cupid Asleep vintage photo. A Cupid Asleep Card, with its romantic Shakespeare quote and sleeping cupid is the perfect way to express your love on Valentine’s day.
Many wonder where did Cupid come from and why is he associated with Valentine’s Day. Cupid has long played a role in the celebrations of love and lovers. He is known as a mischievous, winged child, whose arrows who would pierce the hearts of his victims causing them to fall deeply in love. An 1897 “Cupid Asleep” framed black-and-white photograph by M.B. Parkinson, has since been colorized. It depicts little girl (Josephine Anderson) with a head of curly hair sleeping while she holds a bow and arrow. The artist’s name, date, and title are printed on the bow. Cupid Awake and Asleep were wildly popular in the 1920’s or so. Over 1/4 of US households had this print in some form in their homes.
I inherited Cupid Asleep and Cupid Awake from my mother. The pair of Cupid Awake and Cupid Asleep were among her cherished pieces. They hung in an antique double frame over her bed. Printing on the back mentions “Prang”. This is a photocopy, with some minor digital repair. Adorable, romantic with a Shakespeare quote… it is the perfect expression of love for a Valentine’s Day gift!
