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

Marble sculpture "Angel with butterfly or Cupid". Seated on a draped rock, naked winged Love turns towards his arm, where a butterfly has landed, which he delicately catches between his left thumb and forefinger. At his feet are his bow and quiver, covered by a branch of ivy. This sculpture dates from the late 19th century. This statue may represent Cupid's discovery of Psyche (represented by the butterfly). Cupid, touched by her beauty and delicacy, puts down his weapons and renounces 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 seduced himself, he is content to take Psyche to his palace. There, she can enjoy the riches and pleasures of love, provided she doesn't try to find out who her lover is. On the advice of her jealous sisters, Psyche tries to see him while he is asleep. To her surprise, she discovers a being of great beauty. In her confusion, she drops a drop of burning oil which awakens the God. He flies off into the air. Psyche's quest to find her husband begins. The myth of Psyche shows the destiny of the fallen soul who, after many trials, always finds divine love. It was particularly popular with artists and enthusiasts in the late 19th century. Late 19th century, Circa: 1880 Dim: W:33cm, D:30cm, H:63cm. Left little finger broken and glued back. Two fractures reattached to the tip of the left wing.