Belle Epoque Cupid and Psyche Stucco Figures by Lavoisier
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A superb set of four Belle Epoque cast stucco figures of cupid and Psyche. signed A. Lavoisier, French, late 19th century. Provenance: Private collection South Australia. acquired from large house in Antwerp, Belgium. A pair of almost identical examples were sold: Christies, New-York, April 20, 2010. Lot 83 estimated at US$10,000-20,000 but sold for US$105,500. The incredible figures were most likely created as architectural features for a grand French interior, where they would have formed part of the interior design, either at the top sides of an archway, or as supports to a surround or at the head of columns. Dimensions: large pair 137 cm high 44 cm wide, the others 122 cm high and 28 cm wide
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- Belle Epoque - The Belle Époque, also known as the "Beautiful Era," was a period in European history that lasted from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. The term is most commonly associated with France, but is also used to refer to the same period in other countries, particularly in Western Europe and Latin America.
During the Belle Époque, Europe experienced a time of great prosperity and cultural, artistic, and scientific advancements. It was an era of peace and optimism, characterized by industrial growth, urbanization, and new technologies such as electricity, automobiles, and the telephone. The period is also associated with a flourishing of art and culture, particularly in the fields of literature, music, and the visual arts. - Cupid Motif - The Cupid motif, which features the Roman god of love and desire, Cupid, was a popular decorative element in classical ornamentation. Cupid was often depicted as a winged, naked baby with a bow and arrow, and was often used to symbolize love and desire.
In classical art and architecture, Cupid motifs were often used as decorative elements on furniture, such as on the legs of chairs and tables, as well as on architectural elements such as friezes and pediments. They were also used as decorative elements in frescoes, mosaics, and other forms of art.
During the Renaissance, Cupid motifs were often incorporated into the decoration of palaces, churches and other grand buildings, as they were seen as symbols of love and fertility. Cupid motifs were also commonly used in the decorative arts of the Baroque period, often appearing in the form of putti, which are small winged cherub figures.
In addition to their decorative use, Cupid motifs were also believed to hold symbolic meaning, as they were thought to evoke feelings of love, desire, and fertility.
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