CARVED MARBLE STATUE "ANGEL WITH BUTTERFLY OR CUPID" 19TH CENTURY

Marble sculpture "Angel with Butterfly or Cupid." Seated on a draped rock, the winged and naked Cupid turns toward his arm, where a butterfly has landed. He delicately catches it between his left thumb and forefinger. At his feet lie his bow and quiver, covered by a sprig of ivy. This sculpture in the round dates from the late 19th century. This statue may represent Cupid's discovery of Psyche (represented by the butterfly). Moved by her beauty and delicacy, Cupid lays down his weapons and abandons his mission. Jealous of the young woman's beauty, Aphrodite asks her son Eros (Cupid) to make her fall in love with a monster. But Eros, himself captivated, simply takes Psyche to his palace. There, she can enjoy the riches and pleasures of love, provided she does not try to discover the identity of her lover. Advised by her jealous sisters, Psyche tries to see him while he sleeps. To her great surprise, she discovers a being of great beauty. In her confusion, she drops a drop of burning oil, which awakens the god. He flies away. Thus begins Psyche's quest to find her husband. The myth of Psyche illustrates the destiny of the fallen soul who, after trials, always finds divine love again. It was particularly popular with artists and collectors at the end of the 19th century. Period: Late 19th century, Circa: 1880. Dimensions: W: 33cm, D: 30cm, H: 63cm. The left little finger is broken and reattached. Two breaks at the tip of the left wing have been reattached.