Very decorative 19th century Cupid and Psyche bronzes

Rare very decorative matched pair of French 19th century patinated bronzes of L’Amour au Papillon after Antoine-Denis Chaudet (1763-1810) and Psyche with the Golden Box. The finely cast bronze depiction of a Cupid kneeling holding the wings of a butterfly is a representation of Cupid capturing Psyche. L’Amour was first presented as a plaster model at the Salon of 1802, to great acclaim. Unfortunately, the artist did not live to see it realised in marble by his friend Pierre Cartellier (French, 1757-1831) in the salon in 1817. Louis XVIII acquired L’Amour for the state and exhibited it at Versailles, where it resided until it was transferred to the Louvre, Paris. The equally fine bronze of Psyche, with an ormolu casket, depicts the fourth task given to her by the Goddess Venus to prove she was worthy of her son. Both sit on early 19th century Sienna marble veneered blocks which in turn sit on white marble slab bases. A classic pairing, probably adapted from clocks, but still marvellously rare, impressive and highly decorative. Super quality castings. Psyche, France, circa 1820. Cupid, France, circa 1870.

H 31.5cm x W 20.5cm x D 12cm

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