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Cupid in Ambush By Antonio Rossetti
Cupid in Ambush By Antonio Rossetti
Dimensions (figure): H: 37 in / 94 cm | W: 11.5 in / 29 cm | D: 12 in / 31 cm
With Pedestal: H: 70 in / 177 cm
Cupid in Ambush
By Antonio Rossetti
Carved from statuary marble, the draped female figure standing on a circular base, the mythical Eternal Flame next to her, her hands clasped together as a winged putto, the God of Love, sits on her shoulder, an arrow concealed behind his back as he looks up at her face. Signed 'Rossetti - Studio. O Andreoni. Roma.'
Italian, circa 1885
Exhibiting exceptional technical finesse, the composition contrasts the woman's classical drapery and intricate headdress with the lively, mischievous energy of the winged child. The masterful interplay of surface textures, from the fine, minutely detailed weave of the drapery to the supple modelling of the flesh, is a great example of 19th Century virtuosic Idealism.
Antonio Rossetti (b.1819-)
Born in Milan in 1819, Antonio Rossetti initially trained under the sculptor Francesco Somaini (1795-1855) before establishing himself in Rome. There, he entered into a fruitful affiliation with Orazio Andreoni, whose celebrated Roman studio served as an incubator for an elite generation of sculptors. While Andreoni favoured grand historical and biblical subjects, Rossetti directed his talents toward classical mythology and genre statuary, gaining renown for his rendering of diaphanous, delicate drapery. During his tenure at Andreoni's atelier, Rossetti frequently appended 'Studio O. Andreoni Roma' to his signatures. While represented at Studio Andreoni, Rossetti reached a widespread clientele as collectors in Europe and America visited international exhibitions in Paris, London, Vienna & Chicago, among others.
His marble Ophelia at the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle, was singled out by critics for his 'playful touch' and 'exquisite execution.' By 1873, American guidebooks acclaimed Rossetti as being 'at the head of the Italian artists.' Rossetti exhibited this model in Rome in 1879, and almost 15 years later the model, referred to as 'Cupid in Ambush' can be seen at the entrance of the Italian exhibit at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Literature:
Panzetta, Alfonso. Nuovo Dizionario Degli Scultori Italiani Dell'ottocento E Del Primo Novecento : Da Antonio Canova Ad Arturo Martini. Adarte 2003, p. 785.
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