Bits Quote by Horace Walpole
![“In the drawing room [of the Queen's palace] hung a Venus and Cupid by Michaelangelo, in which, instead of a bit of drapery, the painter has placed Cupid's foot between Venus's thighs. Queen Caroline asked General Guise, an old connoisseur, if it was not a very fine piece? He replied "Madam, the…” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/095/horace-walpole-3357_bits_in-the-drawing-room-of-the-queen-s-palac_2462665.jpg)
“In the drawing room [of the Queen's palace] hung a Venus and Cupid by Michaelangelo, in which, instead of a bit of drapery, the painter has placed Cupid's foot between Venus's thighs. Queen Caroline asked General Guise, an old connoisseur, if it was not a very fine piece? He replied "Madam, the painter was a fool, for he has placed the foot where the hand should be.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence of Horace Walpole, 1765, describing Queen Caroline's palace
The critic mocks a painting for a misplaced detail, implying artistic folly when form replaces function.
In simple terms: A misplaced detail shows the artist's mistake.
Key Takeaway
Notice how small errors can undermine a whole work.
Themes
art criticism
humor
perception
court life
Mood
wry
analytical
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- art education
- historical tours
- interior design
Key Concepts
aesthetic judgment
symbolic placement
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this critique reveal about 18th‑century art standards?
- How might modern viewers interpret the same detail?
A Different Perspective
The judgment reflects personal taste and may overlook broader artistic intent.
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
![“Brad [Dourif] would tell himself that he was not intentionally trying to mimic Jack Nicholson in any way. I think that actually bothers him a little bit. I just think maybe they have similar voices.” quote by David Kirschner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfe/david-kirschner-22403_bits_brad-dourif-would-tell-himself-that-he-w_478.jpg)
