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Sleeping Cupid Italian Marble

  • This charming marble captures a youthful Cupid asleep with his bow
  • The work is executed in the Manner of the great Baroque artist François Duquesnoy
  • Rubenesque in feel, the charming cherub displays remarkable technical detail
  • Get complete item description here
Item No. 31-2683

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The theme of the cherubic Cupid sleeping has prevailed throughout art history, emerging as a popular subject in Greco-Roman art and persisting through the 19th century, and this Italian marble work crafted in the manner of celebrated artisan François Duquesnoy is one of the finest renditions of this subject. Duquesnoy was a Baroque master of the putti genre, culminating in his famed bas-relief work at the Villa Doria Pamphili, which helped to establish a prototype. . .
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The theme of the cherubic Cupid sleeping has prevailed throughout art history, emerging as a popular subject in Greco-Roman art and persisting through the 19th century, and this Italian marble work crafted in the manner of celebrated artisan François Duquesnoy is one of the finest renditions of this subject. Duquesnoy was a Baroque master of the putti genre, culminating in his famed bas-relief work at the Villa Doria Pamphili, which helped to establish a prototype for sculptures of putto and cherubs in the centuries that followed. His iconic sleeping cupid in particular influenced generations of artists who followed him, and the present marble is an especially fine example of a work inspired by the great sculptor.

Rendered in the Baroque style, the child's languid body is beautiful, yet plump, lending it a Rubenesque quality that also gives it an air of youthful innocence. Using his sheath of arrows as a pillow, he lounges across draped robes as he hugs his bow. The technical skill of the artist is on full display, from Cupid's gently carved features and detailed strands of hair to the drapery upon which he lays.

Late 18th/Early 19th century

22 3/4" wide x 11 1/4" deep x 12 1/2" high
Base: 23 1/2" wide x 15 1/2" deep x 4 1/4" high


Provenance:
Sir Henry Williams-Wynn (1783-1856), given as a wedding present to his daughter Katherine
Thence by descent
M.S. Rau, New Orleans, 2021
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Sleeping Cupid Italian Marble
Period: 1700-1815
Origin: Italy
Type: Sculpture
Depth: 11.25 Inches
Width: 22.75 Inches
Height: 12.5 Inches
Style: Baroque
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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