52: The Hall of French Art of the 18th Century

Cupid

1750s

Falconet, Etienne

Falconet produced a Cupid for the Paris mansion of the Marquise de Pompadour, mistress of Louis XV. It enjoyed great success at exhibition, drawing the attention of collectors, and many copies were commissioned from the sculptor. One copy was produced for Count Stroganov, whose collection was the source of this image of the mischievous little god of love. In the soft incline of the curly head, and cunning little smile, fine observation is combined with virtuoso treatment of the marble. Evoking the softness of the child's body and the fluttering feathers in the wings, the sculptor turns cold marble into a living being.