Cupid in the inscription on the drawing may well indicate that this study was made for The Passing of Venus between the version in the background of Laus Veneris and the subsequent design for the tapestry, although the angle of the head does not exactly correspond. The position of the head here appears to be that of Cupid taking aim with his bow. The unfinished oil version, made around this time does not contain a figure of Cupid and therefore it is impossible to judge conclusively.
Part of three studies of heads in one frame - Cupid, Medusa, Nimue exhibited at the Burlington exhibition in 1899.