Venus And Cupid, Bronze Group After James Pradier

Venus and Cupid, bronze group after James Pradier

Superb bronze group depicting Venus leaning over her son Cupid, a scene imbued with tenderness and elegance inspired by ancient mythology. The work is after the sculptor Jean-Jacques, known as James Pradier (1790-1852), one of the most famous artists of the 19th century. This model is based on the original marble composition created in 1836, now housed in the Hermitage Museum, acquired in 1849 by Tsar Nicholas I (Pradier catalog, C. Lapaire).

The bronze edition presented here was created by the Soyer et Ingé foundry in the first half of the 19th century. It retains its original patina, with slight signs of wear consistent with its age, testifying to its authenticity. This rare example is distinguished by the absence of the drapery covering Cupid's genitals, a feature that makes it a little-known variation of the original model.

A work of great finesse, it perfectly illustrates the graceful and sensual style of Pradier, the undisputed master of French Romantic sculpture.