Sculpture, Henri Godet (1863–1937) – Le Ravissement de Psyché (De ontvoering van Psyche), naar William-Adolphe - 79 cm - Patinated bronze - 1896

France, circa 1896
Gilded bronze
H. 79 × W. 33 × D. 26 cm

Impressive French bronze sculptural group from the end of the 19th century by sculptor Henri Godet (1863–1937), based on the famous composition Le Ravissement de Psyché by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825–1905).

The statue shows Cupid lifting his beloved Psyche to heaven in a tender embrace. The entwined figures, the impressively spread wings of Cupid and the swooping draperies create a particularly strong sense of upward movement and weightlessness.

Godet has beautifully translated Bouguereau’s romantic painterly composition into a fully three-dimensional sculptural group. Particularly refined are the modeling of the bodies and faces, the detailed feathers of the wings and the dynamically worked folds of the draperies.

Inscriptions on the base:
“Wm BOUGUEREAU. Pt”
“H. GODET. Sct”
“Salon des Beaux-Arts 1896”

The model has an interesting documented exhibition history. Henri Godet exhibited Le Ravissement de Psyché, after the painting by William Bouguereau, as a bronze sculptural group at the Paris Salon of 1896.

A particularly decorative and romantic example of French sculpture from the Belle Époque, in which classical mythology and the academic art tradition of the late 19th century come together.

Condition:
The photos are an integral part of the description. We recommend you view them carefully to get a good impression of the condition of the object. Viewing is possible by appointment at Mora Antiques in Bilzen, Belgium.
The statue is professionally and carefully packed for safe transport.