Pr French Louis XVI Patinated & Dore Bronze Cupid/Psyche groups w/ Medusa Masks

Description

Rare Pair of French Louis XVI Period (Circa 1780) Patinated and Dore Bronze Figural Groupings of Cupid and Psyche, with Dore Bronze Medusa Mask on White Carrera Marble Bases The pair is formed as two patinated bronze figural groups representing Cupid and Psyche, each mounted on an oval white Carrera marble plinths. In one composition Psyche sits on a carved rock support while the winged Cupid stands before her, raising one hand to his lips while Psyche gestures toward him with an extended finger. In the second group Psyche kneels on one knee while Cupid leans toward her with raised arms. Both figures display modeled wings, curled hair, and defined anatomy. The drapery of Psyche falls in gathered folds across the body and around the legs, while Cupid appears nude with a small cloth around the waist in one group. The surfaces are finished in a dark brown patina with smooth modeling across the figures. Each sculpture is mounted on a cylindrical white marble base with a projecting circular top and lower ring. The front of each base contains a circular dore bronze roundel cast with a Medusa mask, with amazing chasing and detail. Beneath the roundel runs a continuous band of gilt bronze beads encircling the base. The work is identified as a pair of Louis XVI style bronze figural groups representing Cupid and Psyche. The subject derives from classical mythology and appears frequently in decorative sculpture of the late eighteenth century. The presence of Medusa masks mounted on the marble bases reflects decorative vocabulary associated with classical ornament used in French decorative arts. Bronze groups of this type were produced in Paris workshops specializing in gilt bronze decorative objects. The careful casting, defined chasing of the figures, and the precise mounting of marble with dore bronze elements reflect high quality workmanship characteristic of French bronze workshops working in the Louis XVI style. Height: 12 inches each

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