Carved wooden and gessoed (plaster) draped cupid statue.
Cupid has always played a role in the celebration of love and lovers. He is also sometimes seen carrying a torch to inflame desire between men and women. Cupid is taken from the Latin word cupido, which means desire. To the Romans he was the God of love, and his mother was Venus. In ancient Greece he was known as Eros, the young son of Aphrodite.
This Cherub figure, also known as a “Putto”, with torch in hand, bends a little forward, having a gentle inclination on one side, to balance the body. The word putto is the singular form of putti which is Italian for little boy. In the 19th century there was a major revival of putti in fine art . The putto was a popular subject.
The words cupid, cherub and putto have been used interchangeably in the antique world,and whichever you prefer to call it, the figure is an enchanting collectible.
Mid 19th century possibly earlier - France.
Condition: Good for its age...look at photos. The ebony base has a clean narrow split in the wood, which would be easy to mend.
Putti dates to the mid-late 1800's. This is a large piece and is solid wood and hand carved. His wings expand in the most beautiful way in addition to the drape over his body (Measures: 20" Tall by 12" wide). Carved wooden and gessoed (plaster) draped cupid statue. The cherub is mid 19th century possibly earlier, France. The winged cherub is a large figure, and she holds a torch in her outstretched arms. The figurine is well carved. Gold leaf, figure and floral crest, carved wood
Dimensions: 20" Tall x 12" wide
#20 -- RM5
