AFTER ANTONIO CANOVA, ITALIAN WHITE MARBLE FIGURE OF PSYCHE WITH A BUTTERFLY
19TH CENTURY
Estimate: £400 - £600
Auction: Day 2 - Thurs 15th May from 10am | Lots 314 to 602
Description
the semi-draped nude figure holding a butterfly in her hand, unsigned
Dimensions
65cm high
Footnote
The model for this figure of Psyche dates to the mid 1790s and depicts Psyche as a young woman. Unlike typical interpretations where she is shown with wings, here Canova only hints at her ultimate transfiguration by the butterfly she holds in her hand. It was later developed into a two-figure group with both Psyche and Cupid, completed by Canova in 1808.