Terracotta Sculpture, Angel With A Quiver, Cupid, Signed A. Carli, 19th Century, Napoleon III

A charming, finely modeled terracotta sculpture depicting a young, winged Cupid sitting on a rock and holding his bow in his hands.
The child, whose face radiates gentleness, is rendered with great naturalism: the delicacy of the features, the subtle modeling of the anatomy, the curls of the hair, and the particularly meticulous work on the wings all attest to the sculptor’s true craftsmanship.

The work is signed A. Carli on the terrace.
It is made of terracotta with a light brown patina.

This sculpture follows the tradition of allegorical representations of Love, which were highly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

47 cm tall

The piece is in good condition. Note a very slight, long-standing chip at the tip of one wing; it is discreet and does not affect the piece’s presentation. Beautiful original patina.

About Antonio Carli

Antonio Carli was an Italian-born sculptor active in Belgium in the early 20th century. He was associated with the firm A. Carli Frères, a major Schaerbeek-based company specializing in the production of decorative and religious sculptures in terracotta, plaster, regule, and bronze. His designs, inspired by naturalism and Art Nouveau, primarily depict female figures, children, and allegorical scenes, and were widely distributed throughout Europe.