Venus and Cupid

Makerin the style of Etienne Maurice Falconet (French, 1716 - 1791)

Attributedattributed to Joseph Broche or (French, ca. 1740 - after 1807)

Formerformerly attributed to Etienne Maurice Falconet (French, 1716 - 1791)

Additional Title(s)

Venus et l'armour

ClassificationsSCULPTURE

Dateca. 1775-1800

Mediumwhite marble on a white marble pedestal

Dimensionsoverall (height): 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm.) without pedestal: 12 1/4 x 6 x 7 in. (31.1 x 15.2 x 17.8 cm.)

DescriptionThis statuette portrays Venus seated on a draped rock lifting Cupid to her arms.

Signed

InscribedWritten in pencil on the bottom of the pedestal: 27845 6 Written in pencil on the back of the integral base: 278(4?)5

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.

Status

Not on view

Label TextThe imitation and reproduction of works of master sculptors was a common practice in 18th-century France. Falconet was one of the most renowned sculptors of the time, and his designs were used for the reproduction of small-scale marbles, like these sculptures of Venus and Cupid, both during his lifetime and over the next two centuries. Such replication responded to the demand from collectors for more decorative, mildly erotic figures and groups to place in domestic interiors.

Object number16.8