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Menacing Cupid or Threatening Love after Etienne Maurice Falconet
LO-0570
Last items in stock
€3,869.00
VAT included
"Menacing Love," an iconic creation by Étienne-Maurice Falconet, is a work that seduces with its delicacy and subtlety.
This sculpture represents Cupid, the god of love, in all his splendor, naked and gracefully seated on a cloud represented by a small circular base mound. Cupid exudes an aura of purity and grace; his left foot rests firmly on the base, while his right foot projects forward, partially suspended in the air.
His posture is casual, but it is counterbalanced by his right hand raising the index finger to his mouth, as if imposing silence.
His gaze is firm and slyly warns of the risks of love's betrayal. The result is unsettling because it portrays a mischievous child but also a rather ambiguous Greek god, one whose will should not be disobeyed to avoid dire consequences.
The Life of Étienne Maurice Falconet: An Eminent Neoclassical Artist
Étienne Maurice Falconet, born on December 1, 1716, in Paris, left an indelible mark on the world of neoclassical sculpture. He grew up in a time marked by artistic transition, where the elegance and symmetry of classical forms returned to prominence. It was an era in which the pursuit of ideal beauty dominated artistic creation, and Falconet embraced these ideals with unwavering passion.
His career was an extraordinary journey, marked by a series of remarkable successes. His work evolved in the context of the Enlightenment, a period characterized by the exploration of ideas and artistic forms. As a student of the great sculptor Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, he learned classical sculpting techniques but also embraced the spirit of artistic innovation of his time.
The creation of "Menacing Love" is an eloquent example of this. Executed between 1757 and 1774, this work embodies Falconet's quintessential talent. It was commissioned by the Marquise de Pompadour to adorn the gardens of the Hôtel d'Évreux, now known as the Élysée Palace, the royal residence in Paris.
The piece was exhibited at the Salon of Paris in 1755, marking a pivotal moment in Falconet's career. This presentation earned him recognition from his peers and established him as a major figure in neoclassical sculpture. Falconet left a lasting legacy, and his work continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.
Features of "Menacing Love"
Handcrafted reproduction entirely made and patinated by hand.
Dimensions:
Height: 93 cm.
Material: patinated plaster.
Other available materials: resin, reconstituted stone.
Available patinas: bronze, terracotta, marble, wood, polychrome, gilding, stone, or diorite. Contact us to inquire about our patina prices (variable depending on the desired color).
In stock.
Delivery time: Delivery in 6 to 8 weeks.
The Genesis of "Silent Love or Threatening Love"
Created in the 18th century, "Silent Love or Threatening Love" reflects the aesthetics of the Neoclassical movement, which favored harmony, ideal beauty, and clarity of forms. This sculpture embodies the ideals of the time and Falconet's undeniable talent.
This reproduction of the Cupid statue is one of the most famous representations of the small Greco-Roman god. It was created between 1757 and 1774 by the French sculptor Etienne-Maurice Falconet and has had five different versions. The sculpture depicts the god of Love seated on a small circular base. This reproduction was molded from the original work of Étienne Maurice Falconet, currently preserved in the Louvre Museum.
Unleashing Imagination in Stone: The Unforgettable Creations of Étienne Maurice Falconet
Étienne Maurice Falconet was a visionary sculptor whose art breathed life into stone and left an indelible mark on the canvas of neoclassical sculpture. His creations stand as a testament to his extraordinary talent, a force that reshaped the boundaries of what was artistically possible during his time.
One of Falconet's most iconic works, "L'Amour au silence ou l'Amour menaçant," offers an alluring glimpse into his artistic prowess. A master of the human form, Falconet's attention to detail is unparalleled. His sculptures exude a sense of balance and harmony, epitomizing the neoclassical ideals of beauty and idealized forms.
Yet, beyond the physicality of his works, Falconet was a sculptor deeply attuned to the intricacies of human emotion. In "L'Amour au silence ou l'Amour menaçant," Cupid's expression speaks volumes. His slight inclination and the finger gently placed over his lips invite the viewer into a world of hushed romance and unspoken desires. This delicate interplay of silence and the impending arrow hints at the complexity of love, which can be both enchanting and threatening.
Moreover, Falconet's use of texture and detail is awe-inspiring. Each feather in Cupid's wing is meticulously sculpted, and every contour of his body reveals a deep understanding of the human form. His work is a testament to the sculptor's unwavering commitment to his craft.
Cupid, the god of love, is portrayed as an innocent child, vibrant and full of life. Falconet's ability to capture the youthful exuberance of this mythological figure in cold, unyielding marble is nothing short of miraculous. The sculpture is a visual ode to love, evoking the romantic tales of Greek gods and goddesses.
Discover "Silent Love or Threatening Love": a Sculpture of Timeless Beauty
Its captivating posture is highlighted by the slight tilt of its head, as if lost in its own thoughts. It invites complicit silence by gently placing a finger on its lips, creating an intriguing tension between silence and threat. With an elegant hand, it takes an arrow from its quiver, ready to shoot the arrow of love.
A mischievous smile lights up Cupid's face, adding a touch of playfulness to its charm. Its delicate features, playful expression, and youthful appearance create a captivating image. Every detail, from the feathers of its wing to the curve of its back, is finely sculpted, demonstrating Falconet's exceptional talent.
"Silent Love or Threatening Love" immediately transports you to a world of gallantry and sensuality, evoking the loves of the Greek gods. This sculpture exudes an enchanting aura and timeless elegance, making it a true masterpiece of Neoclassical art.
The sculpture proudly bears the signature "Falconet" and is dated "1755," the year of its presentation at the Paris Salon. This event marked a significant milestone in Falconet's career, bringing him well-deserved recognition and lasting fame in the world of sculpture.
Why Should You Own "Silent Love or Threatening Love"?
This sculpture, "L'Amour au silence Threatening Love," remains a centerpiece of Falconet's portfolio, illustrating his ability to capture the essence of love, beauty, and innovation in marble. It attests to his devotion to art and neoclassical aesthetics, as well as his capacity to transcend the boundaries of time with timeless grace.
To own this sculpture is to bring a piece of artistic history into your home, a tribute to the spirit of creativity and elegance that characterized Falconet's era and still shines brightly today.
Delivery times vary according to the state of our available stocks and the demand.
If the reproduction you want is not immediately available, we will contact you immediately by email to inform you of the average additional manufacturing time planned by our workshop.
The average times for each stage of production of our reproductions are as follows
Time required to make a mould in full time: 1 month.
Time to print a piece: 1 day.
Finishing time: Varies from one piece to another, on average one week.
International shipments guaranteed at the most economical rates.
Shipping costs: Shipping costs for available carriers are calculated automatically at checkout.
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