Decorative Bronze Depicting Psyche Holding a Butterfly, After a Sculptural Group by Antonio Canova, 19th Century
The Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757–1822) was arguably the most significant Neoclassical sculptor of the second half of the 18th century. As the creator of the marble sculpture *Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss*—housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris—Canova single-handedly revived the virtuosity of ancient Greek sculpture. Acclaimed in France both before and after the French Revolution, he notably sculpted the famous *Venus Victrix*, which features the likeness of Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister.
The Louvre holds a lesser-known but equally remarkable marble group: *Cupid and Psyche Standing*.Sculpted in 1797—fulfilling a commission placed by Colonel John Campbell in 1787—the piece remained in Canova’s studio until 1800. It was subsequently acquired by Joachim Murat, who displayed it in 1801 at his château in Villiers-la-Garenne (Neuilly-sur-Seine). Seven years later, Murat traded the work to Napoleon I in exchange for annuities in the Kingdom of Naples, which led to its inclusion in the Louvre’s collections.
This bronze takes the figure of Psyche from that group; the butterfly—her attribute—is held in her own hand rather than in Cupid’s. The balance remains perfect. The *contrapposto* and the exquisite drapery of the original marble enhance the line of the shoulders and the graceful carriage of Psyche’s head. This bronze is in perfect condition and rests on a marble base, which is also in excellent condition.
- Delivery price within Metropolitan France: €55
Delivery price within Europe: €95
Delivery price to other destinations: €125
