Venus and Cupid, 1820-1830

Venus and Cupid, 1820-1830.
Carrara marble.
In good condition.
Measurements: 96 x 47 x 40 cm.

This marble group of exceptional beauty is inspired by the sculpture "L'Amour Captif", masterpiece of Charles Auguste Fraikin (Belgium, 1817-1893) in which Venus is represented being visited by Cupid. The quiver and wings of the god of love rest on the ground, while the goddess seems to hide a tambourine behind her back. In the formal aspect, the soft carving predominates, with rounded volumes, which enhances the sweet and almost ethereal character of those represented. This type of work became popular in the 19th century, largely influenced by neoclassicism and the trips of the upper classes to countries such as Italy or Greece, known as the Grand Tour. The pieces were inspired by those made in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, especially in Italy. The Venus with Cupid was a very popular theme repeated by nineteenth-century artists with the intention of reflecting love and eroticism.