Picture shows the fresco of Villa San Marco - "Tambourine-playing cupid". Cupid, equivalent to the Greek Eros, is the god of love. He is the son of Hermes and Venus. The name "cupid" is a variation of "cupido" which means "desire". In ancient Roman mythology, he is often depicted as a winged enfant or child with a bow and arrows. In arts, literature, myth and poetry, cupid and Venus are very popular themes.   Close