[1] According to Estelle Lingo: "The significance that the infant putto held for Duquesnoy's vision of the Greek style is demonstrated most clearly by the Cupid carving his bow.

The figure, as opposed to what might be expected from a "cheerful, Baroque god of love,"[3] appears downcast and introverted.

The damage the sculpture suffered during World War II contributes to incite a feeling of sadness.

[4][2] In his biography of Duquesnoy, then, Sandrart claims that the Fiammingo wanted to show his mastery of marble, and thence produced the Cupid Carving His Bow.

[2] In 1637 the sculpture was purchased by the city council of Amsterdam, whereto the Cupid had been brought by Van Uffel.