Cupid S Span Collaboration With Van Bruggen

About This Work

Created in 2002 as part of Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's final collaboration, Cupid's Span represents the culmination of their decades-long partnership in public sculpture. The work transforms a classical Cupid figure into a monumental bow and arrow, with the arrow embedded in the ground and the bow playfully cocked at an angle. This whimsical yet technically sophisticated piece was originally installed in San Francisco's Rincon Park, where its 60-foot span and fiberglass construction create a striking contrast against the urban landscape.

The sculpture's vibrant red color and oversized scale exemplify Oldenburg's signature approach to transforming everyday objects into monumental art. Unlike their earlier collaborations which often focused on food items and household objects, Cupid's Span engages with classical mythology while maintaining the artists' characteristic playfulness. The work serves as both a tribute to San Francisco's history as the home of Cupid's Span Manufacturing Company and a meditation on the nature of public art in urban spaces.

The Artist's Period

By 2002, when Cupid's Span was created, Claes Oldenburg had long established himself as a pioneering figure in Pop Art and public sculpture. Working with his second wife and frequent collaborator Coosje van Bruggen since 1976, the artists had transformed the landscape of contemporary sculpture through their monumental, often playful installations. This late-period work demonstrates the maturity of their collaborative process, combining Oldenburg's early fascination with everyday objects with van Bruggen's architectural training and interest in site-specific interventions.

The sculpture belongs to the artists' later phase where they increasingly focused on large-scale civic projects. Unlike their earlier works which often featured food items and household objects, Cupid's Span engages with classical mythology while maintaining their characteristic whimsy. This period saw the artists working with more sophisticated engineering solutions to realize increasingly ambitious projects, culminating in works that could span entire city blocks while maintaining a sense of lightness and play.

Artistic Technique

Engineering the Monumental

The original sculpture employs advanced fiberglass fabrication techniques to achieve its 60-foot span while maintaining structural integrity. Oldenburg and van Bruggen worked with aerospace engineers to develop a lightweight yet durable structure capable of withstanding seismic activity in San Francisco. The vibrant red color was achieved through a specialized gel coat process that ensures colorfastness in outdoor conditions.

Material Innovation

Unlike traditional bronze sculptures, Cupid's Span utilizes fiberglass-reinforced plastic, a material the artists frequently employed in their later works. This allowed for greater flexibility in form and color while reducing weight. The smooth surface finish and precise color matching required multiple layers of gel coating, with each layer carefully applied and cured to prevent imperfections.

Print Specifications

Interior Design Guide

With its vibrant red color and dynamic composition, this print makes a striking focal point in contemporary interiors. The 30×40 cm size works particularly well in living rooms with neutral walls, where it can serve as a conversation piece above a console table or sofa. For more traditional spaces, consider placing it in a home office or study to add a touch of artistic playfulness. The natural wood frame complements both light and dark wood furnishings, making it versatile for various design schemes.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Works by Claes Oldenburg

The playful genius of Claes Oldenburg extends far beyond Cupid's Span. Discover more of his iconic creations as framed art prints.