Important Terracotta Sculpture, Venus And Cupid Stung By A Bee.

Samson Manufactory, Paris, second half of the 19th century. An important patinated terracotta sculpture depicting Venus accompanied by Cupid, illustrating the famous mythological theme of "Love Stung by a Bee." The goddess, shown seated with a slight sway of her hips, makes a gesture that is both protective and moralizing, while the winged Cupid takes refuge beside her after being stung while attempting to steal honey from a beehive depicted at their side. The scene is completed by doves, traditional symbols of Venus, and by a naturalistic base enlivened with carefully modeled scrolls and reliefs. The modeling is particularly accomplished: great softness in the treatment of the flesh, delicacy of the faces and expressions, fluid and balanced drapery, and meticulous detail in the wings of Cupid, the beehive, and the insects. The sculpture displays a beautiful, even, aged patina with warm hues, highlighting the relief and the quality of the workmanship. Attribution and historical context: The subject is directly inspired by models created in the 18th century, notably by Louis-Simon Boizot for the Sèvres porcelain factory, widely produced in biscuit porcelain under the title "Love Stung by a Bee," a theme drawn from ancient poetry (Anacreon, Theocritus). Under the base, one can observe: the letter "L," as well as intertwined "L"s, engraved in the clay before firing. These marks correspond to the practices of the Parisian Samson factory, founded in the mid-19th century, which specialized in the sophisticated reinterpretation of major 18th-century decorative arts designs. They allow for a clear attribution to the Samson factory and confirm a dating to the second half of the 19th century. Condition: Very good overall condition. Note: a small chip to one of Venus's fingers. Dimensions: Height: 64 cm; Base width: 44 cm