Cupid
This exquisite white marble sculpture by Etienne Maurice Falconet depicts Cupid the Roman god of love as a youthful winged figure caught in a moment of playful mischief as he strings his bow amid roses and other symbolic accoutrements of desire. Falconet was one of the most celebrated sculptors of eighteenth century France and a favorite of Madame de Pompadour whose patronage helped elevate his reputation at the French court. The delicate rendering of feathered wings soft curls and naturalistic anatomy exemplifies the finest traditions of French Rococo marble carving at its most refined. Collectors prize works like this for their technical virtuosity sentimental subject matter and direct connection to the golden age of Bourbon court patronage.
Spotted works by Etienne-Maurice Falconet
Artists in conversation
Jean-Baptiste Pigalle
French · b. 1714
Pigalle was Falconet's direct contemporary and rival in eighteenth century French sculpture, producing white marble figurative works of Cupid and Mercury with the same Rococo delicacy, soft flesh rendering, and playful mythological charm seen in this piece.
Clodion
French · b. 1738
Clodion specialized in small scale French Rococo figurative sculpture depicting winged putti, cupids, and mythological figures in terracotta and marble with the same sensuous modeling, curling hair, and playful allegorical spirit that defines this Falconet Cupid.
Antonio Canova
Italian · b. 1757
Canova carved celebrated white marble sculptures of Cupid and Psyche with the same exquisite surface refinement, feathered wings, youthful anatomy, and romantic mythological subject matter, bridging the Rococo sensibility of Falconet with Neoclassical precision.
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